Arts in Science Fest! Old Woman Creek NERR, 2514 Cleveland Rd East, Huron

Arts in Science Fest! Old Woman Creek NERR Saturday, June 1 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Meet 16 regional nature-inspired artists and see their work-  everything from watercolors and photography to clay tiles. Ask questions and take a class... .....celebrate the Arts in Science at Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve:   *16 Artists under the tent!   *Classes offered in the Visitor Center (register at 419-443-4601 to ensure your place!) All classes one hour except where noted; materials supplied 10:00 a.m.      Beach Glass Jewelry & Beach Making Processes Michelle Bock 11:00 a.m.             Clay leaf ornament & Wetland Soils by Nancy & Vicki Horning 1:00 p.m.               Nature Journaling with Kathy Thompson  2:00-4:00 p.m.       Watercolors by Carol Gilbert  3:00 p.m.               Origami- Reserve Animals by James Peake *2514 Cleveland Road East, Huron, OH 44839     (419) 433-4601

Middle Bass Island, Ohio & The Lake Erie Islands

Visit Ohio's Lake Erie Islands - then make it your second home! The purchase of a second home is on the rebound - and prices haven't been this attractive in years. Call me today to learn more at 440-315-6000 or email me at leehisey@howardhanna.com.

 
View Middle Bass Island, Ohio & Surrounding Ohio Islands in a larger map

"Like Us" on Facebook at www.TheLakeErieLifestyle.com

Ohio's Lake Erie Islands - Numerous Real Estate Opportunities Available on Middle Bass Island, Kelleys Island, and South Bass Island.

St Hazards Condominiums, Middle Bass Island, Ohio
There is some major change going on at St Hazards.  New management, new possible investors, and huge potential!  We have 6 beautiful condominium units for sale at this time.  Purchase a unit now and enjoy your own lakefront retreat.  Yes - they can be rented to help make your payments!   Email me at leehisey@howardhanna.com or call me at 440-315-6000.

Kelleys Island, Ohio Real Estate
What a great time to purchase real estate on Kelleys Island!  There are a surprisingly large number of listings with a nice variety in style and price.  If you are considering purchasing a summer home or land on Kelleys Island contact me today to view the many options available.  It is quickly becoming a buyer's market!

Put-in-Bay, South Bass Island, Ohio
Lakefronts, cottages, second homes, and businesses.  Opportunities abound on this amazing island.  This popular tourist destination can support your business or provide you with endless fun and relaxation.

Contact the "Island Real Estate Guys" 
at 440-315-6000 or 216-218-5168
RealEstate@HiseyGroup.com
Ernie Hisey and Lee Hisey, The Hisey Group

www.OhioVacationLand.com
On Facebook at:  www.TheLakeErieLifestyle.com

Howard Hanna Real Estate - #1 In Ohio and Region

The Hisey Group llc is proud to be a member of the Howard Hanna Team!

REPORT RANKS NATION'S LARGEST REAL ESTATE FIRMS

(REAL Trends, Inc.-Denver)  According to a recent research report produced by REAL Trends, the 500 largest residential real estate brokerage firms in the nation controlled over 2 million residential sales transactions in 2012.  The 500 mega-brokers closed 2,290,269 home transactions with a value of over $624 billion during 2012.

Included in the REAL Trends 500 is Howard Hanna Real Estate Services.  Howard Hanna ranked number four in the REAL Trends 500 with 37,986 residential transaction sides closed last year. 

The 2013 REAL Trends 500 is a compilation of a nationwide study of leading residential real estate companies conducted by REAL Trends, the trusted source for useful and timely information.  This year's survey represents the most comprehensive collection of data assembled on the leaders of the residential brokerage industry.  Numbers are documented by outside accounting firms. 

Additional Howard Hanna REAL Trend rankings: 
#1 in Ann Arbor, Michigan
#1 in Ohio
#1 in Cleveland/Akron/Canton
#1 in Pennsylvania
#1 in Pittsburgh

Howard Hanna Primary Services rankings:
#1 by Homeowners Insurance Policies Sold
#3 by Home Warranties Sold
#5 by Mortgage Closings
#5 by Title Closings

REAL Trends, Inc. is a research, publishing and communication company located in Denver serving the information needs of the residential real estate industry.

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services is a family-owned real estate company that specializes in residential and commercial brokerage service, mortgages, closing and title insurance, land development, appraisal services, insurance services, corporate relocation and property management. With 145 offices across PA, OH, MI, NY & WV, Howard Hanna’s more than 4,700 sales associates, management and staff are guided by a spirit of integrity in all aspects of the real estate process. 

Middle Bass Island, Ohio - Things to see and do.

Middle Bass Island, Ohio consists of 805 acre.  It is located north of South Bass Island and south of North Bass Island (Isle St George).  It is in northern Ottawa County, Ohio. Kelleys Island is east of the Bass Islands, and is located in Erie County.  Pelee Island is north of Middle Bass and is in Canada's Ontario Province.  There are numerous smaller islands in the area.  Middle Bass Island is centrally located and at this writing still a very affordable place to purchase a home or property.

Middle Bass Island things to see and do:

• J.F. Walleyes Microbrewery - On Middle Bass Island (MBI) holds regular events throughout the year. Food, drinks, live entertainment and more!
• St. Hazards Resort - Events, rental trailers and condo's available, bar/restaurant.  Additional info at www.StHazardsCondos.com.
• Middle Bass Island Yacht Club - Great Lakes boater's connection.
• Miller Boat Line - Your ferry to Middle Bass Island. Part of the experience - enjoy the trip.
• Take a Virtual Tour of Middle Bass Island - The quiet island for active people.
• Middle Bass Ferry - Put-in-Bay is just a shuttle boat ride away! Leave the "Quiet Island for Active People" for the "hopping" spot in the islands. You can generally catch a ride on the hour during the summer months.
• YouTube Video Tour of Middle Bass Island.
• The village of Put-in-Bay is packed with shopping and dining opportunities. Many unique tourist attractions.
• Lake Erie Island Real Estate - The Hisey Group, with Howard Hanna.  Island office at 951 Fox Rd.  Call for an appointment at 216-218-5168 or 440-315-6000 or email at RealEstate@HiseyGroup.com.
• Middle Bass Island State Park and Marina - Amazing new marina with all new buildings, docks, and more.  Greatly expanded - adjacent to new and expanding campground.
• Lonz Winery - Now owned by the State of Ohio. It is unfortunately falling into disrepair since purchased by the state, but you can still walk the grounds of this grand old establishment. (Let's hope the state does something. How about a place for all of Ohio Wineries to display, sell and show-off our great Ohio wines as a group?)
• Numerous wildlife and preservation areas as well as a large state park.

Biking, walking, running, relaxing - enjoy the rare "Small Town" atmosphere still possible on this wonderful island.  

"Buying a Listing" - A Trick Used By Agents To Win Your Ohio Listing!

With the current shortage of listings some agents are pushing the limits in a competitive situation.  I've several times this month lost listings to agents who took them based on what I would consider "Inflated Pricing Recommendations" to an EXTREME level!  Often the Seller believes (approximately 75% of the time) that their home is worth more than it is and the agent should present the facts as they exist, not as the prospect "Wishes" they were.  They want to believe their home is worth more than it is - and the agent plays to that.  Many Sellers go with the agent presenting the highest price - even if it obviously isn't comparable with sold comparables IN THE SAME NEIGHBORHOOD.

This is called "Buying a Listing" among real estate agents.  Sometimes agents also "Buy a Listing" by  promising excellent full service marketing at a reduced commission.  

Problems -

• The agent does not advertise to the level they should.  Their marketing material says one thing - their available budget results in something far less.
• The house doesn't sell - the price is too high.
• The agent goes to the Seller for more price reductions than is acceptable to most within the industry.  Price reductions are frequently needed - but they shouldn't be a surprise, and they shouldn't be to an extreme.  A request for a 25% price reductions is generally the result of an inflated original list price.
• Listing at an inflated price and then having multiple large price reductions after the home being sold has been on the market for tooooo long can give potential Buyers the wrong impression.  You've thought it or heard it - "There must be something wrong with that house!"

Important Lesson - 

NEVER, EVER PICK YOUR AGENT 

BASED ON THEIR PRICING RECOMMENDATION!  

Base it on their marketing program, your impression of the agent - what they bring to the table.  How do they take their pictures - a high end camera or a disposable.  Is their virtual tour a slide show or does it include panoramic shots?  Do they include advertising on specialty websites that cater to your type of home - or just their company website and the bigger websites (almost everyone is on those - what are they doing EXTRA to EARN THEIR COMMISSION?).  Are they on social websites?  Check them - what kind of "Friends" are they catering to and how recent are their postings?  Do they have a blog to pull in Buyers?

Contact me today for an honest and upfront opinion of your home, it's condition, staging suggestions, and where it falls in your market.

ECO-Link: Loan Program for Energy - Efficient Upgrades for Your Ohio Home

ECO-Link is a partnership between the State Treasurer of Ohio and participating state banks that provides a 3% interest  rate reduction for five or seven years on  bank loans when completing  energy-efficient upgrades in your home. Through this program, ECO-Link invests in Ohio’s environment and communities while fostering economic growth. The maximum loan amount the interest rate reduction can be applied to is $50,000. A homeowner can opt for a seven-year rate reduction if the loan is for more than $25,000.  

Weatherization projects may reduce energy bills while adding value and comfort to your home.  Additionally, most improvements are also eligible for federal tax credits and rebates, as well as utility companies’ incentive programs, which add to your potential savings.  ECO-Link provides a money-saving tool for Ohioans while supporting a green economy. 

ECO-Link is not a loan from the Treasurer’s office to the homeowner but rather a strategic investment with lenders to spur energy conservation, a cleaner environment and a healthy state economy.  Here is how the program works:

1. The Treasury purchases an investment with a participating bank at a discounted rate on behalf of the homeowner participating in ECO-Link
2. The lender then passes along the discounted savings to the homeowner as a 3% interest rate reduction of for five or seven years on an eligible bank loan
3. Through the life of the loan, the customer pays the bank and the bank then returns the investment to the Treasury at maturity

Benefits:

• ECO-Link provides reduced rate financing for Ohio homeowners who complete weatherization or energy- efficient improvements in their homes
• Decreased energy use
• Increase the comfort inside your home
• Take advantage of federal tax credits and rebates as well as incentives offered by many local utility companies

For an application visit:

http://www.tos.ohio.gov/Documents/CMS/Eco%20Link/ECO_Link_Application_2012.PDF

Green Eco-Friendly Housing in Cleveland and North Central Ohio - Where do we go next?

I've been following "green" housing for longer than it has been popular, and this project caught my attention while I was following some of my links.  I've copied the following text from their website at www.houze.com.  

HOUZE® is developing and building zero-energy, affordable homes in the historic neighborhood of Independence Heights in a public-private partnership with the City of Houston. Independence Heights was the first African American municipality in Texas. Today, HOUZE is working with community leaders to shape the next 100 years.

The HOUZE project is the first of its kind in America, introducing affordable homes that produce significantly more electricity than they use through the utilization of natural gas co-generation Power Cells. The initiative supports current programs from U.S. Housing & Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Energy.

The HOUZE Net-Positive Energy Initiative was recently showcased at the International Builders Show in Las Vegas in partnership with the American Gas Association (AGA) and AT&T Digital Life. AGA member companies service more than 64 million homes.

Bloomberg Story:  http://www.businessweek.com/videos/2013-05-03/inside-the-house-with-no-energy-bills
Chicago Tribune:  http://my.chicagotribune.com/#section/-1/article/p2p-74428791/
The Energy Makers Show:  http://www.theenergymakers.com/episodes/february-2013/episode-70.html

This seems like a fantastic project for our region, particularly for urban revitalization projects in some of our older neighborhoods.  The template is a private/public partnership.  We have some developers doing fantastic things, but there is always room for more - and projects like this give us the opportunity to explore other options and partnerships.