Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

I hope everyone had a wonderful, blessed Christmas!
May your New Year be filled with luck, blessings, and be bountiful in love, good health and all things important to you, your friends and family.

Avon, Ohio: Avon High School Pancake Breakfast

Don't miss free live jazz music plus pancakes at Avon High School on December 6th. The event will be held from 9 am to 1 pm and is being sponsored by the Avon Band Boosters.

Tax Credit Questions: Must the new house cost more than the old house to qualify??

No it does not need to cost more to qualify for the existing home owners credit.

If you are downsizing, moving back to the city from a larger suburban home or just looking for a smaller mortgage - you still qualify for the $6,500 tax credit.

New Tax Real Estate Incentives: Now is the time to BUY in Ohio!!

Interest rates are still incredibly low, and with these new incentives and low home prices - now is the time to purchase your new home. Don't look back and regret not moving into the market!

• You may receive a $6,500 tax credit if you purchase a home and have owned your primary residence for at least 5 of the last 8 years.
• Yes - you may keep the home you currently have and rent it - and purchase a new primary residence and still qualify for the $6,500!!
• List your home now and first time home buyers may take advantage of the $8,000 if they purchase your home.

Call us to let us put you in contact with a mortgage consultant. Find out if you qualify and what you can afford - no charge!! Then list with the Hisey Group and Howard Hanna to sell you current home, or KEEP IT and let us help you find a new primary residence!!

The Hisey Group, 440-315-6000 or RealEstate@HiseyGroup.com

Where Does The Hisey Group Place Your Virtual Tour Online?? Here are some of the places!

• The Real Estate Book
• Vast Real Estate
• Oodle.com - smarter classifieds
• Zillow.com
• HGTV FrontDoor Real Estate
• HomeSeekers.com
• PrudentialProperties VOW
• homefinder.com
• HomePages.com
• Trulia Real Estate Search
• Howard Hanna
• HiseyGroup.com

Call us today for maximum internet exposure of YOUR property - 440-315-6000 or email at RealEstate@HiseyGroup.com

Open House Drawing: Visit the open house at 3147 Lincoln in Lorain 1pm to 3pm

Visit our open house and register to win!!

Steelers vs. Browns Drawing

This weekend we will be offering customers who visit our open house a chance to register to win 2 tickets to the Brown’s /Steelers final game of this year, a Nationally televised game on Thursday night, December 10th. This is company wide for all Howard Hanna open houses.

We will have entry forms available at this beautiful home. Stop in and visit!! And GOOD LUCK!

Registration available at ALL HH open houses
Sat & Sun Oct 17th & 18th.
One entry per person, per house.
Must be 18 or over.
Travel arrangements not included
Winner gets 2 club level tickets.
Drawing to be held on 10/23.
Winner notified by Monday the 25th 5p.m.

p.s. Agents/employees are not eligible to win - Sorry

Ohio's Lake Erie Islands Website Expanding

The Lake Erie Island website http://www.myohioislands.com/ will be expanding and improving over the next 6 months. The website covers South Bass Island and the village of Put in Bay, North Bass Island, Middle Bass Island, Kelleys Island, Catawba Island and the smaller islands.

There will be a new look for our flier next spring to include a new Middle Bass Island map, a puzzle that changes throughout the season to add fun to your ferry or plane ride, and a directory of important telephone numbers.

So ... Howard Hanna is a BIG Broker? ??? How Big are They??

There is strenth in visibility!!
More agents and more offices equal greater visibility for YOUR property!
Greater visibility, feet on the ground, signs and advertisements leading to our websites equals MORE SALES.

How many sales did Howard Hanna have in 2008??

35, 742 sales in 2008!!!!

In Northern Ohio contact The Hisey Group at 440-315-6000 or RealEstate@HiseyGroup.com today!

Hisey Group w/ Howard Hanna: Lot Listings as of October 11th, 2009

Hisey Group Listed Parcels in North Central Ohio
Listings as of 10/11/2009 at 1:17PM

• 3035558 407 Clipper Cove, Middle Bass Island, Ohio $39,850 Burgundy Bay 75x125
• 3035570 21 Burgundy Blvd, Middle Bass Island, Ohio $40,700 Burgundy Bay 59x143
• 3063784 253 Lake, Middle Bass Island, Ohio $41,800 67x135
• 3035527 113 Fairway, Middle Bass Island, Ohio $41,980 $44 60x175
• 3034100 382 Anchor Lane, Middle Bass Island, Ohio $42,700 60x135
• 3064887 5491 Bertram, Catawba Island, Ohio $44,800 80x143
• 3065427 5505 Bertram, Catawba Island, Ohio $44,800 88x143
• 3063774 68 Seabreeze, Middle Bass Island, Ohio $46,700 67x175
• 2460863 542 Cleveland, Elyria, Ohio $59,900 64.00x106.00 (commercial Parking Lot)
• 3055525 41-A Seabreeze, Middle Bass Island, Ohio $74,850 120x135
• 2498465 Spieth Road, Valley City (York Township), Ohio $119,000 300X1240
• 3036254 6 Rattlesnake, Put in Bay Township, Ohio $298,700 Rattlesnake Island 185x296

Ohio Real Estate Update

• Rates are holding steady & still at record lows historically.
• Time is running out for the First Time Buyer Tax credit. You must move fast!!
• There will be a First Time Real Estate Buyer seminar this Thursday at the Avon Lake Howard Hanna office located at 32713 Walker Rd. from 6 pm to 7 pm. Visit Lisa to learn more, but contact us first so we can have your search set-up and a showing schedule ready to go!
• There is more talk about extending or changing the home buying tax credit, but we don't know yet for sure. I will keep you up to date.
• Call me today at 440-315-6000 to list or purchase your north-central Ohio Real Estate.

Santa Lives in Middlefield, Ohio

Check out this website -
Someone and something Ohio can be proud of supporting.

Santa's Hideaway Hollow
http://www.santashideawayhollow.net/

WE HAVE THE LEAST EXPENSIVE HOME IN AVON LAKE, OHIO FOR SALE!!

We have a fantastic investor opportunity! Want to earn some equity?? Possible FHA 203k property?
We have a 4 bedroom Handyman Special in AVON LAKE, Ohio in Lorain County for only $69,900!!

Contact us for details. At this price it will not last long!!

http://120moorerd.howardhanna.com/


Call Lee at 440-315-6000 or realestate@hiseygroup.com

Preparing for Your Virtual Tour Pictures

Virtual tours are a high tech method of showing your home that helps to fill the gap between looking at pictures and and actually touring the property. It allows us to provide a sense of perspective and dimension that a slide show does not provide. The more unique the architecture or view the more effective the tour. Sellers do not need to waste as much time preparing and making arrangements for actual Buyer's tours. Buyer's don't waste as much time touring properties that don't meet their criteria.

There are some simple things that the Seller can do that can make a huge difference prior to your Hisey Group Howard Hanna representative's arrival:

• Remove Clutter (it makes a HUGE difference).
• Put away smaller couter top kitchen gadgets like toasters, kitchen utensils, hand soap dispensers, etc.
• Maximize "Space" by removing furniture that you don't use everyday. (let the Buyers imagine their furniture in the space)
• Take everything - magnets, note pads, etc., off of your refrigerator.
• Put all toys, bicycles, lawn tools, etc. in storage and out of site.
• Excessive family photos do not show well.
• Large collections of items may be impressive, but unless included with the home they do not help sell your property.
• Unique home features will be highlighted - views, fireplace, cathedral ceilings, etc. Make sure they are in top shape!!
• Clean, clean, clean.
• Clean light fixtures for maximum light dispersal.
• Add a light.
• Remove rugs, particularly if they are a very unique color, to show off nice wood or ceramic tile flooring.
• Park vehicles at the neighbors or a nearby parking lot.
• Hide garbage cans or move them out of view when assisting the photographer/Realtor.
• Limit seasonal decorations and make them tasteful.
• Mow your grass the day before.
• Fresh mulch looks great!! (as with your paint colors - keep it neutral - not red please)
• Pay special attention to views of Lake Erie, rivers, streams, wooded areas, islands, etc. They will be in the tour - clear clutter, trash, tree limbs, etc. that may interfere with the view. It can make a huge difference in the final product.

Work with your Hisey Group Realtor/Photographer and plan out shots with special attention to special/unique home features. Ready to list your property? Contact us today at RealEstate@HiseyGroup.com or 440-315-6000.

The 10 biggest mistakes home sellers make - MarketWatch

The 10 biggest mistakes home sellers make - MarketWatch

Posted using ShareThis

Not All Virtual Tours are Created Equal

Are you concerned about how to ensure your home gets the best marketing and exposure to qualified home buyers in today’s market conditions?

87% of Home Buyers turn to the Internet to look for homes.

Which homes capture their time and attention?

Listings of homes for sale, of course. But listings with plenty of information including a visual presentation of the home. In fact 99% of consumers surveyed prefer listings with virtual tours and multiple photos. Sounds obvious? Imagine if on eBay, an automotive or hotel website you just saw a couple of lines of text describing the item offered. No photos, no feature rich information about the specifications, the warranty, or how to find or purchase the item. You wouldn’t spend much time on that type of website would you?

Providing a quality, rich media Internet based showcase is now one of the minimum requirements for a real estate professional to effectively market a seller’s home and to attract buyers to express interest in that home. No longer is it acceptable to just put a sign in the front yard, purchase a 3 line classified ad, send out a batch of “Just Listed” postcards to the neighbors and hold an open house. While these things are still necessary - Realtors need to do more.

The Hisey Group LLC with Howard Hanna is proactive in leveraging the power of the internet to market a seller’s home know that they need to do more than just show a few lines of text and a photo or two on the Multiple Listing Services or on their own website.

Today’s top agents use the power of VisualTour - providing panoramic interactive virtual tours and more exposure for their sellers!! Call the Hisey Group today at 440-315-6000 or 216-218-5168 for information on how to get your North-Central Ohio listed with a VisualTour virtual tour, or email us at RealEstate@HiseyGroup.com.

*Info from VisualTour.com

Saturday, October 10 – Electronics Collection Day IV

Electronics Collection Day
From 9 am to 3 pm - Windstream Service Center
560 Ternes Ave., Elyria, Ohio 44035

Drop off your used personal computers and related items, cell phones, small office equipment, old televisions, audio equipment, microwaves, etc.

For additional info visit http://www.loraincounty.us/solidwaste or call 1-800-449-5463

Ohio State University Stone Lab Open House on Gibraltar Island, Ohio

September 12th, 2009 12:30 am to 3:30 pm

Have you ever been curious about the Lake Erie science that takes place at Stone Lab? Do you want to take a peek inside Cooke Castle or peer down from Perry’s Lookout? Getting There
Free transportation to Gibraltar Island will be provided from the OSU’s Research Building on South Bass Island next to the State Fish Hatchery. Guests will enjoy tours of the 6.5-acre island, including a view of Cooke Castle; lectures and laboratory sessions; and historical photos, summer class information, and publications. Tours of historic South Bass Island Lighthouse will also be available, but transportation will not be provided.

Contact Kelly Dress at at 419-285-1800 for additional information.

Lorain County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days

September 26th, 2009

PC Campana Industrial Park
3000 Leavitt Road (State Route 58)
Lorain, Ohio 44052

Grafton Township Hall and Fire Station
17109 Avon Belden Rd (State Route 83)
Grafton, Ohio 44044

Visit http://www.loraincounty.us/solidwaste for more info
or call 1-800-449-5463.

Friends of the Avon Lake Public Library: Ice Cream Social

Saturday, August 29th
Avon Lake, Ohio
Avon Lake Public Library
32649 Electric Blvd
Avon Lake, Ohio
440-933-8128

Ice cream social and annual member ship drive.
Make your own ice cream sunday.
Entertainment/Sidewalk Chalk Competition
Dalmation Bounce House/Used Book Sale

Insurers Reward Green Consumers - MarketWatch

Maybe you can save money on your insurance by going green!! Check out this article:

Insurers Reward Green Consumers - MarketWatch

Posted using ShareThis

Barbershop Island Weekend & "All Island" Middle Bass Open House

Barbershop Quartets at Middle Bass Island
Saturday, August 15th at 7 pm
Middle Bass Town Hall

Come and enjoy this true American art form at 7pm. Be prepared to experience spontaneous concerts throughout the islands all weekend. Great family fun!!

The "All Island Open House" will be held from 1 to 3 pm and will include 3 cottages and 3 condominiums from the island's East Point neighborhood to the Burgundy Bay Association. A great way to spend your lunch time on the Saturday the 15th! Watch for fliers!!

Note: The quartets will also perform at Perry's Monument on the 14th at 7 pm in Put in Bay Village on South Bass Island. Over 20 groups will perform.

New St Hazards Condo Tour: Middle Bass Island, Lake Erie Islands, Ohio

Considering an island vacation home? Consider the Condominiums at St Hazards on beautiful Middle Bass Island. Every unit is a lakefront unit. The views are amazing. With a wide range of pre-owned units available there is something for everyone. Most units come finished with appliances and furnishings. Near St Hazards resort and next to the new greatly expanded Middle Bass Island Marina and State Park. Check out our newest virtual tour, then call us today to tour Lake Erie Island property in Ohio's Vacation Destination!!

1-800-974-5184 * RealEstate@HiseyGroup.com

www.StHazardsCondos.com

Home Market is Improving!

Five straight months of increasing home "Pending" home sales!

We are actively looking for new listings in Avon, Avon Lake, North Ridgeville, Put in Bay, South Bass Island, and other communities where we are seeing increasing interest.

Please call us or email to: RealEstate@HiseyGroup.com so we can explain our marketing program and what we are finding within today's Real Estate market. Remember - the $8,000 credit is running out early fall - contact us today!

Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland Creating A Home For Hope

In its first 30 years, over 30,000 families have called the Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland (RMH) their home away from home. The Home for Hope project is the capstone of RMH’s 30th Anniversary Celebration — three decades of caring and collaboration for kids and community.

The Home for Hope raffle offers the chance to win the Bradley II, built by R.J. Perritt Homes:

- Located at Copper Creek — a twenty-acre conservation development in Amherst Township, Lorain County.

- Green Built — state of the art NEOGBI certified features, including a Straw Bale Wall.

- Community Collaboration — R.J. Perritt Homes certified, built by construction students at Lorain County Joint Vocational School (LCJVS) under the supervision of master tradesmen.

The Home for Hope will be completed in April of 2009, with tours of the house beginning in the summer. On Friday, September 25, 2009, RMH will host a street party in Copper Creek where a raffle of 30 amazing, environmentally-friendly prizes will be held – the top prize being the Home for Hope. Only 15,000 tickets will be printed and will go on sale to the public in September 2008.

For more information on the Home for Hope project, please contact Mary Horoszko at (216) 229-5757, ext. 129 or mhoroszko@clevelandrmh.org.

Proceeds from the Home for Hope Raffle benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland to further expand it’s mission of supporting families whose children are receiving treatment at area medical centers by providing a home-like environment and essential resources and services.

From: http://www.clevelandrmh.org/house/news.php?idNews=34

NEW Middle Bass Island State Park Marina: Lake Erie Islands

The new Middle Bass Island Ohio State Park Marina is open for business. Check out the virtual tour at: http://www.visualtour.com/show.asp?T=1957383

I picked up some info - they still don't have showers, water or electric at the docks, although they expect to have electrical service around Labor Day.

Nightly reservations are accepted on a first come/first serve basis. Call Monday through Thursday from 9am to 2pm at 419-285-0311. They are also monitoring Channel 71.

Some basic rules:

• No alcoholic beverages permitted off your boat.
• Swimming in the marina is not permitted.
• All boats must be registered by checking into the office.
• Dock Permit: Rate of $1.45/ft w/ electric (none as of July 09); $1.25/ft non-electric, $30 minimum.
• A flat day rate is available: 10 am to 7 pm. $20 electric/$15 non-electric.
• Day-Stay: If a registered boater vacates the dock, the dock will be available for re-renting.
• Over-Night: Registered Boaters have the registered dock for the night. Check-out is 10am.
• Deposit for Over-Night Reservations: $30/boat.
• Deposit Refund/Cancellations: Reservations must be cancelled 30 days prior for refund.
• Pets are required to be on leash when off boat.
• No open flame fires permitted on boats.
• Quiet Hours: 11pm to 7am.
• No "Rafting" off of boats.
• Boats may not be left unattended for more than 24 hours.

For additional marina information, and for campground information visit http://www.ohiostateparks.org/ or call 1-866-644-6727.

To bring a vehicle to the island call Miller Ferry at 1-800-500-2421.

Time is Running Out for the First Time Home Buyer's Tax Credit!

There is a time limit for taking advantage of this incredible benefit to first time home buyers! Title transfer must occur by November 30th, 2009. The agreement must be with the lender by October 1st. You can safely assume there will be a rush at the last minute - so don't wait! Contact us today at 440-315-6000 or RealEstate@hiseygroup.com to start searching for your new home! Amazingly low interest rates are still available. Now is the best time to purchase - do not delay - call today.

Ohio: All Jokes Aside.

For quite some time now, Ohio has been mocked by her 49 brothers and sisters, ridiculed for her apparent remoteness and lack of excitement. But while Ohio may seem like the dull, plain sibling next to the glamorous California, the exotic Hawaii or the traditionally relaxing Florida, upon closer inspection the Buckeye State has a great deal to offer to retirees that can be found nowhere else.

While reading up on what people around the country thought about Ohio, I came across a set of “You Know You’re From Ohio When….” jokes. The odd thing about the discovery was this: While the jokes were meant to be insulting, I saw within them a compilation of all of the things that make Ohio perfect for anyone looking to retire somewhere beautiful, relaxing, diverse and eventful. Here are a few of the highlights:

1.)“You know you’re from Ohio when your idea of a traffic jam is ten cars waiting to pass a tractor on the highway.”

Now, this may make us seem a bit humdrum and old fashioned, but tractors mean farms, and farms mean – you got it – fresh food! If living in Ohio has taught me anything, it has taught me the value of eating food directly out of the field, and during harvest season the roadsides are scattered with homegrown food stands selling sweet corn, apples, berries, fresh eggs, zucchini, broccoli, pears, and everything else under the glorious Midwest sun. Retirement is the perfect opportunity to experiment with some of these fresh fruits and vegetables in your cooking – you’ll be amazed by the difference in taste from the produce you buy at the store.

2.)“You know you’re from Ohio when all the festivals across the state are named after a fruit, vegetable, or grain.”

I’m not going to argue about this one – the Apple Festival, the Strawberry Festival, the Maple Festival, the Banana Split Festival, the Sweet Corn Festival, even the Gourd Festival – we love our food festivals. But what’s wrong with that? I have never personally heard someone complain about an overabundance of festivals. From May through December, there is an innumerable number of festivals across the state to keep you occupied. But that isn’t all there is to do in Ohio! On top of the festival culture, we have world-renowned museums, orchestras, theme parks, state parks, and archaeological sites like Serpent Mound. Living in Ohio, you’ll never be bored for long.

3.)“You know you’re from Ohio if you can tell another Ohioan is from southern, middle or northern Ohio as soon as they open their mouth.”

One of my things about Ohio is its geographic and cultural diversity. Whether the city, the country, or the suburbs are your cup of tea, you can find somewhere to settle down that suits your lifestyle. Having so many distinctly different areas within one state means that you don’t have to look far from your home to have an experience beyond that of your daily life. City dwellers craving a bit of tranquility can drift down to Amish country for some incredible food and shopping, and those living in rural areas can go into the city for a movie, a performance, or a museum tour. Our four distinct seasons mean that the landscape is constantly changing, making living in Ohio a unique and colorful experience.

4.)“You know you’re from Ohio if ‘toward the lake’ means North and ‘toward the river’ means South.”

Water is the essence of life, and being near large bodies of fresh water is extremely comforting. Ohioans are very proud of their aquatic surroundings, as they provide a constant influx of fresh water and endless fun. Ohio’s rivers and Lake Erie are large enough to enjoy the recreational benefits of boating, waterskiing, parasailing, fishing and swimming, without the dangers of hurricanes and tsunamis. Retirement is a time for relaxation, and the prospect of a potential natural disaster can make relaxing difficult, as you worry about your safety and your financial stability in the case of such a disaster.

An important fact of which retirees should be aware is that retiring to Ohio doesn’t necessarily mean living in an area surrounded by land. The lake also allows for Ohio to extend beyond its mainland boundaries. Nestled in Lake Erie are twenty-two islands for you to explore, each one unique. Ferry boats are provided for easy transportation between the mainland and the islands, where you can enjoy fantastic food, beaches, and sunsets while meeting the characteristically warm and friendly people of the Midwest. Plenty of affordable property is available on the islands for those who want something a little different from a typical retirement. And if island living isn’t quite your style, but you still feel drawn to the water, the northern coast is covered in lake front communities with incredible views.

So before you knock Ohio – check into all it has to offer: incredible people, landscape, food and activities!

By Candace Hisey for the Hisey Group w/ Howard Hanna

My Aunt Irmas: Middle Bass Island, Ohio

2009 Events at My Aunt Irma's

Store Hours - weekends (Fri, Sat, Sun) starting May 16th & 17th : 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

daily starting June 12th: 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

Fourth of July Weekend - Huge Porch Sale!

Artists on the Porch Weekend - July 18 & 19
Middle Bass Island/Put-in-Bay Charity Auction

Endorsed by the P.I.B. Arts Council

Middle Bass Barstool Charity Auction - 25th - mid-afternoon at My aunt Irma's

Over 40 creatively embellished barstools will be auctioned live, along with numerous items

at a silent auction. We are anticipating a huge success.

All proceeds will be donated to the MBI Fire Department, MBI Town Hall

& Susan Komen Breast CA Org.

Mary Roesch's barstools can be viewed at the Inland Seas Maritime Museum's "

Contemporary Textile Artist Exhibit" and the Main Street Arts Guild of Vermilion,

"April Arts" from April 18-May 15

Barbershop Weekend - Huge Porch Sale August 8 & 9

This is My Aunt Irma's Last Season - Everything Must Go!
Plan your trip and enjoy all the island has to offer.
Questions? Call Mary Roesch at 419-285-0302 or 419-285-2221

Just Stuff

I heard the fireworks in Lorain were very nice. The Lorain Port Authority has created a fantastic location for concerts and events. Downtown is ripe to become a "Coventry" type district, but with the river and lake in close proximity. Bring in the artists and musicians!! When I ask people why they don't go downtown they say crime, panhandlers, parking and now quick highway access (can't change that one). Affordable labor pool, inexpensive (very) commercial real estate, the lake and the river - opportunity knocks.

A recent Plain Dealer article covered Cleveland's shrinking population. This is a problem many older northern cities are facing. Apparently Cleveland is shrinking more than other larger cities. Number one problem when I talk to people - schools, schools, schools. There also seems to be a demand for affordable, energy efficiency downtown housing, and city homes with lawns larger than a postage stamp that are close to downtown (people want a swing set, vegi garden, picnic table). My wife and I are looking 5 years out at some downtown/near westside options being considered and developed - after the kids are all finished with college.

WCPN had an interesting story on Cleveland's lakefront development this morning.
http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/soi/26941/

Middle Bass Island: The new marina is booming. Island businesses were packed over the July 4th weekend, and many of those people were heading to Put-In-Bay to spend money and enjoy the shopping, food and entertainment available. When it is completely open the state marina, Middle Bass Campground and Middle Bass Island Yacht Club will be fantastic additions to Ohio's Lake Erie Islands. North Bass Island (Isle St George) will eventually have it's wild areas and beautiful shores open for a limited number of people looking for an undeveloped/very not "touristy" experience - hiking, birdwatching, fishing. Lake Erie has some of the BEST fishing in the world!!

Real Estate transactions/phone calls/interest is increasing in North Central Ohio. We are getting many calls, we've sold multiple properties in the last 2 months, and things are picking up. There is a noticeable improvement in our "Hisey Group" market areas. Part of this is the $8,000 incentive (remember - the deadline to take advantage of this is approaching) and low interest rates, but I think prices in our area have bottomed out and people are realizing that they can get a triple advantage now that didn't exist 5 years ago. This window of opportunity will not last forever!!

Yes we have cold winter weather - nothing is as beautiful as a white Christmas! We also have one of the most valuable resources in the world: Fresh Water, Fresh Water, Fresh Water!!

We are actively looking for new listings. If you have a home you'd like to sell in Western Cuyahoga and Medina Counties, Lorain County, or Northern Erie or Ottawa Counties give us a call!! A member of the Hisey Group would love to meet with you to discuss marketing YOUR property! 1-800-974-5184 RealEstate@HiseyGroup.com.

U.S. Home Prices to Fall Through 2011's First Quarter

I cut and pasted this from a company email from Howard Hanna. I've highlighted the "good" part regarding Cleveland, Ohio. Incidentally, Bloomberg.com is a great site for business news - I refer to them on a regular basis. (click on the title or the credit to go to their site)

U.S. Home Prices to Fall Through 2011’s First Quarter

July 7 (Bloomberg News) -- Home prices may fall in more than half of the largest U.S. cities through the first quarter of 2011 as unemployment and foreclosures rise, mortgage insurer PMI Group Inc. said.

Thirty of the 50 biggest metropolitan areas have at least a 75 percent chance of lower prices through March 31, 2011, Walnut Creek, California-based PMI said in a report today. The decline is likely to spread to “all regions of the nation” from California, Florida, Nevada and Arizona, the states most affected by the housing slump, PMI said.

“The housing market has been hit by a demand shock of high unemployment and a supply shock of distressed foreclosure sales,” LaVaughn Henry, senior economist at PMI, the fourth- largest U.S. mortgage insurer, said in an interview.

Unemployment rose to 9.5 percent in June, bringing the total number of jobs lost to 6.5 million since December 2007, the Labor Department said July 2. Foreclosure filings may hit a record 1.8 million in the first half of the year as more jobless homeowners default on their loans, real estate data service RealtyTrac Inc. said last month.

Home prices in 20 major U.S. metropolitan areas dropped 18.1 percent in April from a year earlier, following an 18.7 decrease in March, according to the S&P/Case-Shiller index. Prices are forecast to fall 41.7 percent from their peak, Deutsche Bank AG analysts led by Karen Weaver wrote in a June 15 report.

Florida Drops Predicted

“Affordability is no longer the driving issue in the housing market, and we believe prices still have a ways to fall in many areas before home prices reach their trough,” the Deutsche Bank analysts wrote.

The 15 areas with the highest probability of lower prices in 2011 each have a 99 percent chance, PMI said. They include Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Orlando, Tampa and Jacksonville in Florida; Riverside, Los Angeles, Santa Ana, Sacramento and San Diego in California; Las Vegas; Phoenix; Providence, Rhode Island; and Detroit.

Edison and Newark, in New Jersey, have a 97 percent and 96 percent chance, respectively. Nassau, New York, has a 92 percent chance. New York City showed an 88 percent chance of lower prices, according to PMI.

“The New York area has gone from a moderate level to an elevated level because of the big hit from the financial crisis,” Henry said.

Declines Predicted

Washington showed a 92 percent chance of lower prices; Portland, Oregon, and Baltimore each have 90 percent; Atlanta has 81 percent; Boston has an 80 percent chance; San Jose, California has 78 percent; and Minneapolis has a 75 percent chance, PMI said.

The probability of lower prices is 66 percent in the San Francisco area; 58 percent in Warren, Michigan; 46 percent in Seattle; 45 percent in Milwaukee; 41 percent in Cambridge, Massachusetts; 36 percent in Chicago; and 30 percent in Philadelphia, according to PMI.

The areas with the least chance of lower home prices, each with less than a 6 percent probability, include Cleveland; Pittsburgh; Columbus, Ohio; San Antonio; Houston; Dallas, and Fort Worth, Texas, according to PMI.

The insurer compiles its “market risk” index from income, interest-rate, home-price and affordability data going back to the early 1980s.

Lorain County Metroparks: 2009 Summer Concert Series

Vermilion River Reservation
Bacon Woods Amphitheater
6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Refreshments will be available for a small fee.

July 12th "Hail to the King" Elvis Impersonator
July 19th Ark Band Caribbean/Reggae
July 26th Jim Gill Contemporary Folk
August 2nd Meren Power Salsa & Merengue
August 9th Geezecats 50's Classics
August 16th The Mickeys Celtic
August 23rd Kingbees Blues/Jazz
August 30th G-Force Kid's Pop

Scam Reported in Medina County: From the Auditor

I just received this from the Medina County Auditor, Medina Ohio:

Auditor Kovack Warns of Dangerous Scam in Medina County

Auditor Michael E. Kovack, Medina County Auditor, just received information from a resident of the County who was called by someone pretending to be with the Auditor's Office. The person indicated that he was in the area doing property reappraisals and needed to view the inside of their home. The scammer suggested that they didn't have to be home, "Just leave the door unlocked and we will check the house for you."

In almost all instances, the Auditor's reappraisal staff only views structures from the outside of the building. In any situation where the staff would enter a home, it is usually at the homeowner's request and by appointment with the owner required to be present.

Auditor Kovack stated, "This incident happened in the Wadsworth area, but may be occurring in other areas of the county. I urge you to call your local police if you receive a phone call or a visit from individuals purporting to be from my office and requesting access to your home. Please call my office if you have any questions or information leading to the arrest of these individuals. Our phone numbers are: Medina, 330.725.9756, Brunswick, 330.225.7100, ext. 9756 or Wadsworth, 330.336.6657, ext. 9756."

Sincerely,Michael E. Kovack
Medina County Auditor

Cleveland Magazines "Rating the Suburbs" Edition is out...

Check out the June 2009 edition of Cleveland magazine. Every year they rate the suburbs. Some highlights west of Cleveland:

• 5 th Lowest Property Taxes - Lorain
• Highest Home Sales: 5th Medina, 6th Avon Lake, 7th North Ridgeville, 8th Lorain, 9th Avon, 10th Elyria
• 10 Year Median Home Sale Price Increase: 5th Avon, 13th Elyria
• Highest % of Roads w/ Sidewalks: 100% Bay Village and Westlake, 99% Lakewood, 96.8% Medina, 94.7% Rocky River and Berea

Check out the June edition for all the details and comparisons.

Jewal Box Homes: Smaller with Higher Quality and Energy Efficiency

A new term floating around the Real Estate universe is "Jewel-Box Homes". What is a Jewel-Box Home?

A Jewel-Box House replaces the square footage of "McMansions" for quality. Instead of paying for a big empty box you pay for less square footage and more details, features, woodwork, and higher grade appliances and materials. You replace square footage for more efficient use of space. You replace square footage for high efficiency appliances. You replace square footage for better insulation.

It sounds like common sense. Why weren't more of us doing this all along??

Some related content:

Jewel-Box Homes are Built Smaller, Smarter by Jean Patteson

Jewel-box homes: building smaller, smarter by GEORGE SKENE/ORLANDOSENTINEL.COM / June 15, 2009

Industry looks to build smaller homes by lex Veiga, Associated Press, Sunday, October 19, 2008

The McBacklash: Homes get smaller and McMansions are out, thanks to economy, aging population By SCOTT LINDLAW, Associated Press
Friday, March 28, 2008 2:15 AM CDT

Americans are moving on up to smaller, smarter homes By Wendy Koch, USA TODAY

Free Summer Jazz at Beautiful Northern Ohio Locations

Love Jazz? Save gas and time and spend more time relaxing! Enjoy these free concerts and visit some of Northern Ohio's fabulous venues thanks to 107.3 FM:

• Sat June 27, 12pm - 3pm Jazz on the Patio - Buehler’s, Canton - Just About Music
• Sun Jun 28, 12pm - 6pm Jazz On the Vine - Debonne Vineyards, Madison - Forecast
• Sat Jul 4, 6pm - 9pm Jazz on the River - Black River Landing, Lorain - Forecast
• Sun Jul 12, 12pm - 6pm Jazz on the Vine - Debonne Vineyards, Madison - Horns & Things
• Fri Jul 17, 6pm - 9pm Jazz Over the Valley - Mapleside Farms, Brunswick - Saborit Latin Jazz
• Sun Jul 26, 12pm - 6pm Jazz on the Vine - Debonne Vineyards, Madison - Al Krasel and One Wish
• Sat Aug 1, 6pm - 9pm Jazz on the River - Black River Landing, Lorain - Joe McBride
• Fri Aug 14, 6pm - 9pm Jazz Over the Valley - Mapleside Farms, Brunswick - Roberto Ocasio Latin Jazz Project
• Sun Aug 16, 12pm - 6pm Jazz on the Vine - Debonne Vineyards, Madison - Saborit Latin Jazz
• Fri Aug 28, 6pm - 9pm Jazz Over the Valley - Mapleside Farms, Brunswick - Joe McBride
• Sun Aug 30, 12pm - 6pm Jazz on the Vine - Debonne Vineyards, Madison - Forecast
• Sat Sept 5, 12pm - 3pm Jazz on the Patio - Buehler’s, Canton - Forecast
• Fri Sept 11, 6pm - 9pm Jazz Over the Valley - Mapleside Farms, Brunswick - Keith McKelley

* All events are subject to change and live music times vary, check website for updates. Visit http://wnwv.northcoastnow.com/events/wave-free-summer-concert-series/ for details. Compliments of 107.3 WNWV FM.

Howard Hanna Healing Garden at the new Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh

News Story

6/3/2009

Article By: Debbie Donahue

Howard Hanna adds a bit of “green”

to new Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh

On Tuesday, June 2, 2009 the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation hosted a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Howard Hanna Healing Garden at the new Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC.

The Howard Hanna Healing Garden is an outdoor, rooftop garden on the sixth floor of the main hospital where patients and families can enjoy fresh air, amazing views and a respite from the medical setting. Even a sick child sometimes needs to go outside. At Children’s, the Hanna Healing Garden is that outdoor oasis. Seasonal flowers in the day and twinkling lights at night will invite patients, families and staff to come play, reflect and retreat from the inevitable stress related to a stay in the hospital.

Children’s Hospital President, Christopher A. Gessner, welcomed everyone to the event with a presentation of “The New Children’s”. Speakers included Mary Jo Dively, Esq., chair, Children’s Hospital Board of Trustees, Dr. Andrew Urbach, Medical Director for Clinical Excellence and Service, Howard W. "Hoddy” Hanna, III, Chairman and CEO of Howard Hanna, and Lou Astorino, principal of the architectural firm, Astorino, which designed the building. A special guest speaker was the mother of a child that had been diagnosed with leukemia on May 25th and was in his ninth day of being at Children’s. She thanked the Howard Hanna group for making the outdoor garden a reality and told of how she had already visited the garden many times and how much it helped her and her son in dealing with being in the hospital so suddenly.

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services and the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and have been teaming together since 1989 for the Children’s Free Care Fund which assures that needy children from Western Pennsylvania and surrounding area will never be denied the best medical care available.

“All of our offices participate in our fundraising efforts for Children’s Hospitals in their market areas,” proudly said Hoddy Hanna. “Some offices that have golf outings in the summer months, a few that do organized lunches and house tours in the fall, but absolutely all of our offices hold annual “Choo Choo Chow Chow” holiday luncheons beginning in November and continuing through the end of the year – all with the common purpose of raising as much money as we can for Children’s Hospitals. So very many of our sales associates, staff and management give so much of their time and energy to this year after year, I continue to be amazed by this on-going support, and from members of the community. It’s because the people of this area care so deeply about one another as well as the quality of life here, that this great city is indeed the best in the nation.”

In 2008, Howard Hanna raised more than $577,000 in their offices across PA, OH, NY and WV for a total of almost $5 million during the past twenty years for Children’s Hospitals.
Howard Hanna is proud to become a permanent part of the new Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh in bringing some “green”, in the form a beautiful healing play garden, to the urban hospital campus of The Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC.

Lifecycle Building Challenge: Competition - "Green Eco Building"

This is the third year of the Lifecycle Building Challenge competition. Architects, reuse experts, engineers, designers, planners, contractors, builders, educators, environmental advocates and
students in any program may enter. Competitors can enter green building projects that include some basic goals:

• Create designs that facilitate local building materials reuse
  
• Consider the full lifecycle of buildings and materials—from resource extraction through occupancy and, finally, deconstruction and reuse
  
• Focus on quality and creativity of designs and concepts
  
• Develop strategies that maximize materials recovery
  
• Reduce the overall embodied energy and greenhouse gas emissions of building materials through reuse
  
• Decrease environmental and economic costs
  
• Address real world issues

Dates and Deadlines

December 15 2008: registration opens
March 1 2009: submission deadline
August 30 2009: winners recognized Fall 2009

There are numerous entry criteria that must be met. To get all of the details for this excellent challenge visit http://www.lifecyclebuilding.org/entry-info.php.

Lorain International Festival and Bazaar

Friday, June 26th from 5pm to 11pm
Saturday, June 27th from 12 noon to 11pm
Sunday, June 28th from 12 noon to 6pm

Location: Black River Landing

Celebrate the rich variety of culture in Lorain. A wide variety of food and entertainment on this riverside festival grounds. This year's feature community is the Puerto Rican Community.

DID BUYERS FIND THEIR HOME ON THE INTERNET OR IN A NEWSPAPER??

Where did buyers find the home they ultimately purchased?

According to the NAR's 2008 Profile of Home Buyers:

1997 Newspapers 8% Internet 2%
1999 Newspapers 8% Internet 4%
2001 Newspapers 7% Internet 8%
2003 Newspapers 7% Internet 11%
2004 Newspapers 5% Internet 15%
2005 Newspapers 5% Internet 24%
2006 Newspapers 5% Internet 24%
2007 Newspapers 3% Internet 34%
2008 Newspapers 2% Internet 37%

Talk about a dramatic change!

Several years ago we decided to focus the largest portion of our Northern Ohio advertising dollars on internet marketing, using newspaper and magazine advertising in only a very targeted way. Quality signage and fliers are a base that must be met. The most important marketing tool? - networking and contacts.

6th Annual Avon, Ohio Heritage Duct Tape Festival

Everyone Loves Duct Tape !!

Father's Day Weekend

June 19th to the 21st

Friday 4pm to 11pm

Saturday 11am to 11pm

Sunday 11am to 5pm

Veteran's Memorial Park - Detroit Rd

Free Admission and Free Entertainment

Rides * Games * Duct Tape Crafts * Food

http://www.DuctTapeFestival.com

Our Green Eco Listing, Columbia Station, Ohio

We have a wonderful listing at the moment. I'm having fun showing the property - and we've had a substantial number of folks go through the home. Foam panel walls - R30!! Foam panels in the ceiling - R48!! Surrounded by 5 acres of heavy mature woods with wildflowers, wetland areas, and beech trees I can't reach my arms around!

Wood siding, passive solar green houses, vaulted ceilings with large wood beams.

If you are looking for a "Green Eco" home and love living with nature you don't want to miss this opportunity.

Call me for details!! 440-315-6000 or email me at leehisey@howardhanna.com

SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD

IT WAS FUN SELLING THIS HOME - WE GENERATED HUGE TRAFFIC AND INTEREST! WHAT A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO EDUCATE THE HOME BUYING PUBLIC. DO YOU HAVE A NORTHERN OHIO HOME WITH GREEN ECO FEATURES? A GREEN REMODEL? GEOTHERMAL? NATIVE HABITAT MAINTAINED? HIGH EFFICIENCY DOORS/WINDOWS, HEATING AND COOLING, ETC? SUSTAINABLE/RECYCLED PRODUCTS? CLEVELAND, OHIO'S WESTSIDE TO THE LAKE ERIE ISLANDS - CALL ME TODAY AT 440-315-6000.

Recycle by Selling & Buying at the North Ridgeville Garage Sale

North Ridgeville's garage sale day is on Wednesday, June 17th from 6 to 8 pm, and Thursday, Friday and Saturday June 18th to the 20th from 9 am to 6pm. Register your garage sale at the Chamber of Commerce (Visitor's Bureau Office) at 34845 Lorain Rd between June 1st and the 11th from 8 am to 4 pm.

For only $5 you'll receive a laminated sign, balloons and your home address will be posted on the Chamber of Commerce website.

Reuse - Recycle!

Grafton Township/Belden Memorial Day Parade

The annual parade will begin at the Grafton Township Town Hall/Firehouse on May 25th at 10am. Come and enjoy this township event.

Grafton Firemen's Festival

On May 21 st the 73 rd Grafton Firemen's Festival will begin at 6 pm. Rides, food, games and more!! Come enjoy the festivities and support your Grafton Village Fire Department.

The festival will be held in Grafton Village, Ohio from May 21st to May 25th.

Make Your Northern Ohio Home More Appealing This Spring !!

Here are some cheap tricks from Money Magazine for boosting appeal:

• Buy a new mailbox, house numbers, doorbell, and knocker: $200
  
• Green the grass with nitrogen-rich fertilizer: $50 to $200, depending on the lawn size
  
• Edge and mulch the flower beds: $300 to $600, depending on the number of beds
  
• Replace the bathroom faucet: $300
  
• Install beadboard over dated bathroom tile: $800 to $1,000
  
• New paint: $60 to $100 per room, if homeowners do it themselves
  
• Replace switchplates and outlet covers: 50 cents each
  
• Install stone tile over existing Formica countertops: $500 to $1,000
  

Source: Money Magazine

Great First Year for North Ridgeville Green Fest!!

The First Annual North Ridgeville Green Fest was a success. The weather was perfect for mid-April, and everyone seemed to have a good experience. The park staff and volunteers deserve hardy applause for their efforts. Let's hope the community supports this festival for many more years.

Why Market Your Home's Green Features??

Green Features are Increasingly in Demand!

From a "Green" channel on cable television to "Eco-Friendly" products Green and Eco are "in". Studies are increasingly discovering a demand for energy saving features, products that ensure clean water in our homes and offices, clean air products and other eco-friendly features.

Solar panels and wind turbines are becoming a reality and will doubtlessly become more prevalent however for most consumers those type of systems are still somewhere in the future. What type of features are common marketable environmentally friendly and energy efficient items that can help sell a home in our Northern Ohio market? "Green" is no longer a radical concept. "Green" sells homes.

I market features that matter to people. This is particularly true in our current economic situation. What features sell today in Northern Ohio?

• Energy Efficient Furnace
• Geothermal Heating and AC Systems
• Hardwood Floors
• Low VOC Paints
• Products that do not off-gas after installed.
• Certified energy efficient windows and doors.
• Passive Solar Design
• Insulation, Insulation, Insulation
• Water Filtration/Air Filtration
• Energy Star Appliances Included in Sale
• Solar Tube Lighting
• Low Flow and/or Dual Flush Toilets
• Low Flow Showers and Sinks
• Wildlife areas instead of lawn & native plant landscaping.
• Efficient lighting bulbs/fixtures.
• Hot Water on Demand
• Recycled Products
• Moisture Barriers and Thermal Barriers
• Composite Lumber (recycled products/durable w/ long life)
• Sun rooms on the south side with concrete/tile/stone flooring provide passive solar heat.

Doing a remodel? Consider the above features to make your home more marketable. Consider buying a new home? Consider energy saving quality of life features rather than square footage alone. You'll be helping your pocket book, your community and our planet.

You can find homes with "Green Eco Features" throughout Northern Ohio: Avon, Avon Lake, North Ridgeville, Sheffield Lake, Bay Village, Olmstead Falls, Grafton, LaGrange, Elyria, Lorain, Wellington, Vermilion, Oberlin, Sheffield, Eaton, Columbia Station, Valley City, Litchfield, Amherst, Brownhelm Township, Henrietta Township, and other westside communities. Visit me at http://www.leehisey.com/

Listen to: 'Greening' up homes for sale

Listen to this radio story regarding the efforts of a fellow Green Certified EcoBroker Real Estate professional:

http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/10/21/ecobrokers/

East Point Villas on Middle Bass Island, Ohio in Lake Erie

Come out on Sunday, May 3rd between 1 and 3pm to view four villas!

Middle Bass Island is centrally located within Ohio's Lake Erie Islands.

Regular ferry service from Catawba Island all season long. Hourly boat service to the Village of Put In Bay on South Bass Island during most of the season. While you are visiting check out the new greatly expanded state owned marina. Close enough to enjoy a weekend - or spend the entire summer!! Make MBI your summer vacation destination.

We are holding an open house for all four units we have listed. Each unit has different features that make it unique!

Take Miller's Ferry from Catawba Island directly to Middle Bass Island.

Fly in on your own plane or charter.

For more details email: RealEstate@HiseyGroup.com

call 440-315-6000 or 216-218-5168

Avon Lake Library: Environmental Issues Series

Green Consuming
April 8th, 2009 7pm

So you've got the recycling down. What's next? Take a look at what you bring into your house in the first place. Find ways to reduce your trash and your money with the Avon Lake's Recycling Lady Holly Kowalski.

Avon Lake Public Library
32649 Electric Blvd.
Avon Lake, Ohio 44012
440-933-7710

The Jones Farm Science Discovery Camp for kids

Instructor: Evelyn Bryant
June15-July 24 except for 4th of July week
$140.00 per child
$20 discount per additional sibling

Copied from http://www.georgejonesfarm.org/workshops.php

Who makes a farm work? You do! Come to the George Jones Farm and explore the question of who’s who on the farm that makes it all work. Our science lessons are aligned with ODE content standards.
Through our investigations, we’ll teach and learn how people, animals and plants all work together to create a farm . The children become part of our farm community and engage in science, art, music, language arts, and games to develop critical thinking and teambuilding skills.
A children’s gardening and science day camp at the George Jones Farm in Oberlin.

The camp is for children 8,9,and 10 years old, by May 2009.or have completed 2nd, 3rd or 4th grade, June 2009. Five One Week sessions, 9:00-3:00 daily.

Green Fest: April 18th in North Ridgeville, Ohio

April 18th, 2009 from 9am to 1pm

Please join the North Ridgeville Parks and Recreation for the first annual Green Fest, a celebration of Earth Day! If you have ever wanted to learn more about recycling, try organic gardening, or get more information on what our city does for the environment, then swing by South Central Park on Saturday, April 18, 2009. From 9-1 p.m. you can visit all of our vendors to figure out what YOU can do to "go green"! There will be kids crafts, face painting and a dump truck too!

Green Fest is brought to you by North Ridgeville Parks and Recreation department. Saturday, April 18, 2009 from 9 a.m -1 p.m

I'll be there! Stop and visit my table, and get free fliers regarding green building features, energy saving tips, and other eco-friendly housing information.

REAL Trends 500 Rankings (for calendar year 2008) announced today!

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services (Hanna Holdings, Inc.) continues its rise in the rankings with the recent release of the REAL Trends 500.

Ranked by Closed Transaction Sides for 2008, Howard Hanna is now the 4th largest home seller in the U.S. - moving up from #7 last year.
Ranked by Volume for 2008, Howard Hanna is now #7 - up from #14 last year.

Howard Hanna is the largest broker in Northern Ohio. Call the best - contact us today at 440-315-6000 or RealEstate@HiseyGroup.com.

Avon Lake Library: Environmental Issues Series

Food Systems, Choices and Impacts
April 1st, 2009 at 7pm

Evelyn Bryant of the George Jones Farm and the New Agrarian Center will demonstrate how we can make small changes in our food choices to protect our planet and enjoy our meal more.

Avon Lake Public Library
32649 Electric Blvd.
Avon Lake, Ohio 44012
440-933-7710

Is the market improving in North Central Ohio??

I've been in several meetings, spoken with numerous small business owners, builders and investors in the last couple of weeks. The general consensus is that things are getting better. If we aren't at the bottom - as a region - then we are very close. Things are starting to tighten in Avon, Avon Lake, Westlake, Bay Village and other westside communities.

Looking for a lakefront/waterfront home? Call today. There is a nice selection of lakefront homes at amazing prices. We can set you up with Debbie to tour multiple homes in a single day.

Considering Lake Erie Island property? Call us with your dream specs and we'll tell you what is available and set-up showings. There is only so much lakefront and island property - it continues to be an excellent long-term investment.

If you've been sitting on the fence then you may want to get off and make your move. Buyers - there are no more excuses. Prices are at their bottom or very, very close and interest rates and first time home buyers (you could have owned a home in the past - just not in the first 3 years) opportunities may never have been this fantastic.

Call us today about financing opportunities. Allow us to place you on an auto search for homes within your price bracket. Get pre-qualified now so when you do find that dream home you can make an offer. The Hisey Group - 440-315-6000 or RealEstate@HiseyGroup.com.

Avon Lake Library: Environmental Issues Series

Home Remodeling for Energy Efficiency
March 25th, 2009 at 7pm

Save money and save the planet! Find out how to make simple improvements in your home to save on utilities and help save the planet. Brian Stack of Stack Heating and Cooling will make the presentation.

Avon Lake Public Library
32649 Electric Blvd.
Avon Lake, OH 44012
440-933-7710

Physician Moving to Cleveland? Westlake? Elyria? Lakewood?

Are you a medical resident moving to Northern Ohio? Are you an intern or resident doctor working with the Cleveland Clinic? University Hospitals?

The Physician’s Plus Program may be for you!

A Mortgage Solution for Medical Residents - Your Prescription for Home Ownership

This unique mortgage program is designed exclusively for intern and resident doctors, with good credit, but limited assets and high student loan debt.

Save Money with Low Down Payment and No Mortgage Insurance

With the incredible flexibility to borrow up to 95% of your purchase price, we’ve reduced the down payment pain associated with home ownership. Your days as an intern or resident can be tough, so you’ll appreciate the ease of bringing less cash to closing while also reducing your monthly payment by eliminating the need for mortgage insurance.

Financial Flexibility

In addition to a low down payment, funds used towards making the down payment or closing costs can come from different sources, such as gifts from family members or grants from an employer. Also, the seller or builder of the property can contribute up to 3% to pay certain closing costs or fees.

Potential Tax Benefit

Mortgage interest is tax deductible. An $8000 tax credit is also available for first time home buyers.*

*Consult your tax professional for more information on the tax credit. Certain restrictions apply.
See your Howard Hanna Finance Manager for a no-cost consultation.

Contact the Hisey Group at 440-315-6000 or RealEstate@HiseyGroup.com for more information on this fantastic program, and let us help you start your home search today! We will put you in touch with our team mortgage specialist for additional information!

Building Systems Magazine: Hottest Trends for 2009

I read an article a week ago in the January/February 2009 issue of Building Systems magazine. This is a magazine covering off-site construction. I think we are going to see more and more of this type of construction in the future.

In his article "Hottest Trends for 2009", Charles Bevier notes their predictions regarding design trends for 2009:

• Less Square Footage
• More Building Systems Used
• Green Building's Grip on the National Consciousness is Growing
• Healthy Home Design
• Storm-Resistant Housing
• A New Focus on Infill Development

I think they are right on the money.

EcoBroker in the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Ohio

I was quoted in the Cleveland Plain Dealer Sunday. Nothing major - but every little bit helps.

http://www.cleveland.com/pdrealestate/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/zre02/123669690946090.xml&coll=2

Avon Lake Library: Environmental Issues Series

Earth and Water-Friendly Flood Control
March 18th, 2009 at 7:00 pm

Learn how to keep water out of your basement while protecting our water supply and the Earth itself. Presented by Joe Reitz, City Engineer.

Avon Lake Public Library
32649 Electric Blvd.
Avon Lake, Ohio 44012
440-933-7710

Neuter Scooter: Lorain County Dates for cat spay/neuter program.

What Is The Neuter Scooter? (Sorry, no dogs)

Neuter Scooter offers an innovative approach to controlling cat overpopulation by making spay/neuter services convenient and affordable to everyone. They utilize mobile veterinary clinics. Neuter Scooter currently provides services in Hawaii, Indiana, Illinois, Florida, Ohio, and Oregon.

How Does It Work?

Cats are Checked-In in the morning and discharged in the evening of the same day to recover at home. Neuter Scooter performs safe, sterile procedures on cats 6 weeks & up. Each surgery is performed by a licensed veterinarian.

Neuter Scooter's Goals

Stop pet overpopulation by spaying and neutering faster than they can reproduce.
How fast can they reproduce?
Promote responsible pet ownership by encouraging continued veterinary care.

Dates Still Available in Ohio

Lorain, Thursday, March 26, 2009
Lorain (Pet Fest 2009), Sunday, August 30, 2009
Visit http://www.neuterscooter.com/

Listen Northern Ohio - NOW is the time to buy that home!!

Waiting for the bottom? Wait too long and you'll miss it! You'll be hearing a lot of people saying "I should have..." after this opportunity becomes history.

Only at Howard Hanna can buyers receive the following:

*100% Money Back Guarantee
Considering Selling - add a money back guarantee. Call for details!

*Powerhouse Mortgage
When Howard Hanna Mortgage says we will close the loan, we will. Providing buyers $125 million a month of mortgage money!

*Buy Before You Sell Mortgage
We can loan our buyers up to 75% of the equity in their present home, so they can buy today.

And Now-
*The Apartment Dwellers Trade In Program
We can assist renters to buy now by assisting them of relieving their rent obligations.
The Hanna Assurance coupled with the $8,000 first time buyer tax credit makes NOW the time to purchase that first home.

Contact the "Hisey Group" for details at 440-315-6000

or VM 1-800-974-5184.

Ernie Hisey, Lee Hisey, Sharon Weisenbach and Debbie Burnworth.

Serving Cleveland, Ohio's Westside to the Lake Erie Islands.

Creative Loan Programs: It's a GREAT Time to Purchase a Home!!

Some of Howard Hanna Mortgage Services Loan Programs:

Physicians Plus Program
This is a unique program designed for intern and resident doctors. This program requires a lower down payment and offers high student debt forgiveness and does not require mortgage insurance.

First Time Buyer Programs
Howard Hanna has a variety of programs to meet the unique needs of our first time buyers, including competitive costs and below market interest rates for qualifying buyers.

Renovation Plus
This program enables a buyer to finance a home purchase, as well as substantial home improvements to that property, with one monthly mortgage payment.

Luxury Mortgage Programs
At times, home buyers need to secure a loan in excess of $417,000. Through Howard Hanna's Distinctive Client Services, we offer a variety of mortgage options to accommodate our luxury home buyers.


Call Lisa Coffey, Finance Manager at 1-877-933-6195 for addtional plans and financing information.

Certified Solar Photovoltaic Installers in Ohio

North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)

Advanced Distributed Generation, LLC
Phone: 419-530-3792
Products: Solar electric, wind power systems, & solar hot water.

Dovetail Solar and Wind Power
Phone: 740-767-4070
Products: Solar electric, wind power systems, and solar hot water.

Mariner Energy Systems, LLC
Phone: 330-273-3391
Products: Solar electric and wind power.

Third Sun Solar and Wind Power
Phone: 740-597-3111
Products: Solar electric, wind power systems and solar hot water.

Repower Solutions
Phone: 216-402-4458
Products: Solar electric and wind power systems.

Solar Energy Solutions, LLC
Phone: 859-312-7456
Products: Solar electric, solar hot water and wind power systems.

Powerflo, LLC
Phone: 937-689-4937
Products: Wind power systems.

Avon Lake Library: Environmental Issues Series

7pm March 11th, 2009
Composting

Shelly Hill of the Lorain County Extension Office will demonstrate effective composting
techniques and give you the information to get started yourself, regardless of the size of
your yard or even if you don't have a yard!

Avon Lake Public Library
32649 Electric Blvd.
Avon Lake, OH 44012
http://www.alpl.org/

Ohio Buyers! Buy Now Before You Miss the Price Dip

$8,000 tax credit now available!

Recently passed legislation now allows many first time
home buyers to receive a tax credit of up to $8,000 when
they purchase a home.

Who Qualifies???

• First time home buyers who have not owned a home during the last three years
• Sale must close prior to December 1, 2009.
• Adjusted gross income of $95,000 or less for individuals or $170,000 or less for those
  who file jointly qualifies you for a tax credit.
• Receive a tax credit when you file your 2009 tax returns of 10% of the sales price of
  your home (maximum tax credit of $8,000).
• Tax credit does not have to be repaid as long as you own the home for at least 3 years.
• Earn your tax savings during your first year of home ownership

*Contact a tax advisor for complete details regarding tax credit. Restrictions apply.

Has there ever been a better time to be a
First Time Home Buyer?

Lisa Coffey, Finance Manager
Howard Hanna Mortgage Services, (216) 527-0190
lisacoffey@howardhanna.com

Yes Ohio - Spring is near. Time Change Ahead!!

As a reminder, Daylight Saving Time begins this weekend. When you go to bed on Saturday night, be sure to set your clocks forward one hour. The time officially moves forward one hour at 2:00 a.m. on March 8.

Agree or Disagree: The Stimulus Package is Good for the GREEN ECO Mission

The newest EcoBroker newsletter highlights some of the "Green" items on the stimulus package:

• $6.3 billion for energy efficiency in multifamily housing getting federal assistance, such as HUD-sponsored low-income housing
• $5 billion to weatherize more than 1 million homes owned by "modest-income" families.
• $4.5 billion to increase the energy efficiency of federal buildings
• $4 billion to repair and modernize public housing units
• $2 billion to increase the tax credit for hybrid cars to $7,500
• $1.4 billion for bonds to carry out state and local renewable energy and conservation projects
• $510 million to repair and modernize more than 4,000 Native American housing units
• $500 million to train workers for careers in energy efficiency and renewable energy
• $300 million for consumer rebates for energy-efficient appliances
• $268 million to remove caps on a 30 percent residential credit for solar, wind, and geothermal
• $250 million to HUD to improve the efficiency of government-subsidized apartments

New York Times Breakdown:
http://projects.nytimes.com/44th_president/stimulus/energy

San Francisco Chronicle
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/12/MN4I15T240.DTL

For green ecorealestate in Northern Ohio call: 440-315-6000

Green Energy Ohio: Solar Event February 26th

Living with Solar: A Homeowner's Perspective
Thursday, February 26, 2009 - 6:15 - 7:30PM
Fairlawn-Bath Library3101 Smith Road, Fairlawn 44333

Join Green Energy Ohio at this month's Clean Energy Network Meeting as local homeowners share their experience with solar. Learn about the planning process, installation experience, cost and bottom line savings on electric bills. Wondering how you can afford a solar system in 2009? Hear about the new residential solar electric grants launched in January through the Ohio Department of Development's Advanced Energy Program. Then get a sneak peak into details of the new residential solar thermal rebate program Green Energy Ohio will be launching in March 2009.

The event is Free & Open to the public.
Light snacks provided by Plant Kingdom Bakery of Akron.
For more information, contact Athan Barkoukis by phone at 216-526-5545
or email Athan@GreenEnergyOhio.org.
CLICK HERE for directions.

NOTE: The Ohio Solar Tour for 2009 will be held October 3rd and 4th.

February 21st: A Day In Lorain County - Oberlin & Vermilion

Spend a day in Lorain county, Ohio:

Vermilion, Ohio

An Ice-A-Fair to Remember

Downtown Victory Park  10 AM to 5 PM

440-963-0772

www.MainStreetVermilion.com

Ice Sculpture, Carriage Rides, Ice Wine, Ice Coffee and more.

Oberlin, Ohio

Freezin' Arts Festival  11 AM to 3 PM

Downtown Oberlin along W. College Street

Art Exhibits, Music and more.

Back from quick Florida vacation .... Finished my last day at the Home and Garden Show's "Green" Section

I spent a week in what is reported to be the worst Real Estate market in the U.S. - Ft. Meyers, Naples, Bonita Bay area. Many, many for sale signs. Many people upset that they can't sell their homes. Many of the homes are second homes for "Snow Birds" - a large number of them from Ohio.

Just finished my last day at the Home and Garden Show at the IX Center. I'm not available on Sunday. Go tomorrow and check out the fantastic gardens, the straw house, and my friends in the green eco area!

Jet Express Ferry Service from Lorain, Ohio to Kelleys Island and Put In Bay !!

It has been reported that a new Jet Express boat is being purchased for a new run from the City of Lorain to Kelleys Island and Put In Bay on South Bass Island. The boat will depart from the Black River Landing, a very nice facility downtown Lorain, to Kelleys Island, then to Put In Bay. The return run will be in reverse in the evening. It is scheduled to run once a day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the summer months.

I conducted a quick search of the Jet Express and Lorain Port Authority websites for additional info, but couldn't find any. I've been told that ticket prices are still being determined.

Should be a great trip - and hopefully Lorain County and westside residents will take advantage and support this effort!

Jet Express: http://www.jet-express.com/index.html
Lorain Port Authority: http://www.lorainportauthority.com/