Home Maintenance and Repair Tips

Saving Energy with Insulation

The furnace is running "full bore" and yet you feel a chill all the way down to your bones. There isn't a window open in the house, and the walls and ceilings are fully insulated. You simply can't figure out where the cold is coming from.
Well, if your home is 20 years old, or older, you may need to perform a little maintenance on your insulation. And the attic is the first place you should look. Believe it or not, most heat is lost through the ceiling -- 60 percent or more. Heat rises. Walls account for about 20 to 30 percent of the heat loss, with the rest escaping through the floor. Properly maintained insulation can significantly reduce this heat loss.

Windows and Screens

As beautiful as they are, windows aren't as energy efficient as insulated walls. Unfortunately, you can't see through a wall. Imagine your home with no windows -- it's probably not a place where you would want to live. Fortunately, you have a choice.
Here are a few maintenance suggestions for your windows that will make them more energy efficient, add longevity to their existence, and make them easier to operate.

Doors and Hardware

An exterior door may be more energy efficient than a window, but a door can leak just as much water and air. As the moisture content changes in soil, your home shifts. Your doors also shift, creating gaps large enough for a dump truck to pass through.
With doors, you need to regularly caulk the exterior trim even if the exterior door in question is protected by a covered porch. Remember that caulking is designed to keep out air as well as water. Caulk the doorframe to the door trim and the door trim to the siding.
If you find moisture on the entry floor, it could be a leak between the threshold and the door bottom. The threshold is the wood or metal platform at the base of the doorway. It usually tilts outward to shed water. The bottoms of most exterior doors are fitted with a metal door bottom or "shoe" that houses a rubber gasket. The door shoe is attached to the bottom of the door with screws driven through oblong slots in the shoe. The oblong slots allow the door bottom to be adjusted up and down as the house -- and consequently the door -- shift up and down. When the door is closed, the rubber gasket is supposed to rest tightly against the full length of the threshold preventing the influx of air and water.
No matter how successfully the door shoe and threshold work to prevent air and water leaks, there could be yet another problem. The threshold itself might leak. Exterior door thresholds are normally laid in a thick bed of caulk when originally installed. Occasionally, the caulk shrinks and the threshold leaks. The only way to prevent future leaks is to remove the threshold, recaulk the area, and replace the threshold. Be sure to readjust the door shoe once the threshold has been replaced.

Stopping air leaks

An air leak in a doorframe is pretty common. Use the candle test described earlier to see just how severe the problem is.
Foam sealant can be added between the frame of the door and the frame of the house by removing the interior door casing. The casing is the wood trim that covers the joint between the doorframe and the wall. Use a flat pry bar to slowly remove the trim so that it won't be damaged.
Other air leaks can occur between the door and the doorframe. This is where weather stripping is handy. It doesn't make any difference whether the exterior door is painted or stained, large or small, solid wood or French style, the same type of weather stripping can be used. We like the kind of whether stripping that consists of a rubber bead attached lengthwise to a strip of metal. Standing outside the door, with the door in the closed position, gently press the rubber portion of the weather stripping against the door and frame at the same time. Attach the metal section of the weather stripping to the frame of the door with the nails or screws provided. Here, oblong holes allow the weather stripping to be adjusted later as house movement causes the door to shift.

Questions or comments write or email:
eugene.dougherty@realliving.com
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YOUR Personal Guide to Real Estate

Selling a Home in Akron, Ohio

Here are the latest market stats for Akron, Ohio. These figures include Akron, Coventry and Ellet.

October 2006
Homes for Sale- 1998
Sold- 211
Days on Market- 81

November 2006
Homes for Sale- 2044
Sold- 181
Days on Market- 85

Questions or comments write or email:
eugene.dougherty@realliving.com
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Selling a Home in Stow or Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio

Here are the market stats for October 2006

City	Homes for Sale	Sold	Days on Market
Stow	202	29	73
Cuyahoga Falls	326	50	76

Here are the market stats for November 2006

City	Homes for Sale	Sold	Days on Market
Stow	189	15	63
Cuyahoga Falls	328	39	74

Questions or comments write or email:
eugene.dougherty@realliving.com
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Real Estate in 2007

What Will Happen to the Real Estate Market in 2007?

Everybody wants to know where real estate is headed in 2007. Will prices continue to fall as they have in most areas of the country or will the American market rebound? Will interest rates remain stable? Will 2007 be a good time to buy or sell real estate or should we all head down to Mexico instead and check out Donald Trump's Baja resort south of Tijuana? Based on current market forecasts and real estate economic facts and trends of 2006, here is my professional home buying and selling prediction for next year.

(1) More Single Women Will Buy Homes Than Ever Before
Single women already make up a larger percentage of home buyers year after year. More single women are saying "no" to marriage but "yes" to a mortgage.
They are trading Prince Charming for walk-in closets, underground parking or a garage, and tax deductions.

(2) Home Prices Will Remain Soft
Buyers will wonder if they should get off the fence and buy now or if they should wait. Across most of America, there are no indications that we'll see double-digit appreciation for a while and, in fact, if prices haven't fallen in your neighborhood yet, they most likely will in 2007.

(3) Agents Will Negotiate Record Numbers of Counter Offers
Finding a real estate agent who will negotiate for you as a seller or a buyer is going to be more important in 2007 than it has been in previous years. Sellers will not accept offers as written and will issue a counter. Buyers will not accept the seller's first counter and will issue a counter of their own. It will not be unusual to see five or more counters per transaction before an agreement is reached.

(4) Buyers Will Pass By Overpriced Homes
Buyers are becoming more educated. They know when the price is right, and overpriced homes will be scratched off their list of possible homes to consider. Buyers view sellers with overpriced listings as inflexible and not serious about selling. With large numbers of well priced homes available to them, buyers won't waste time on sellers who refuse to be reasonable about pricing.

(5) Buyers Will Demand Upscale Features
As more inventory comes on the market, buyers will have more to choose from before making an offer and will gravitate toward homes that require no updating or costly remodels. Buyers will expect homes to be turnkey and ready to occupy. Kitchen and bathroom remodels will fetch top dollar over homes without updates.

(6) Sellers Will Hire Home Stagers
Some sellers will be lucky and find a real estate agent who can offer home staging services, but many sellers, to be competitive among other listings, will hire a professional stager before putting their home on the market. Furniture rental companies will set up accounts offering 30- to 90-day financing at zero interest and no payments to accommodate home sellers who want to pay staging fees at closing and not upfront.

(7) Agents Will Take Overpriced Listings
Just because the market has changed is no reason for agents to wise up and stop taking overpriced listings or to stop hurting their seller's chances to sell. In fact, many agents won't be able to afford to pay MLS dues and will be fighting for survival, so they will continue to inflate home prices in hopes of beating out a competitor for a listing. This battle will help to retire agents who shouldn't be in the business in the first place.

(8) Virtual Tours Will Gain Popularity
Online listings without virtual tours will be passed over. Virtual tours will gain popularity because buyers will demand them. Like the old MLS books without a photo, an online listing without a virtual tour will be a non-entity and ignored. In addition, buyers will want audio with the visual.

(9) More than 50% of Listings Will Feature a Price Reduction Within 30 days
Sellers can do everything else right but fail miserably if the home is priced too high. The number one reason why properties don't sell is price. Anything will sell for the right price. The first trick is to figure out what that price should be before putting your home on the market. The second trick is to figure out when to reduce the price.

(10) Buyers Will Be More Selective When Choosing an Agent
Choosing the right agent is the single most important factor when buying or selling real estate. However some people make the mistake of choosing a DNA agent (family related) or a neighbor, without ever thinking about the main reason to hire an agent or how to go about determining the fit for themselves. As appreciation slows, sellers and buyers alike will be more discriminating and ask the tough questions to further protect their hard-earned dollars.

Source www.about.com

Questions or comments write or email:
eugene.dougherty@realliving.com
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Home Maintenance and Repair Tips

Know your roof.

Most folks are pretty conscientious about maintaining the exterior walls of their homes. On just about any day during good weather, you can drive through a neighborhood and find the sides of at least one home under siege by painters. But rarely do you see anyone on the roof of a home unless the roof is being replaced. For some reason, people just don't pay as much attention to their roofs, which we think is a mistake.

The whole idea of maintenance is to ensure longevity, reduce costs, and improve value. We think this concept should apply to the roof in the same way it does to the walls. In fact, we like to think of the roof as the fifth wall of the home that should be maintained with the same regularity as the walls that support it. With proper care and maintenance, a roof can outlast its warranty without leaking a drop or suffering any ugly damage.

Cleaning

Streaking or discoloration can cause a perfectly good roof to look worn and tattered. And ugly is not a good thing -- remember curb appeal? So, for appearance sake, use the following universal roof cleaning formula when your roof gets dirty. The concoction also gets rid of mildew or moss on your roof, which can cause extensive damage if left unattended.

You'll need these supplies:

1 cup liquid chlorine bleach
1 cup powdered laundry detergent
1 gallon hot water
1 bucket or large mixing bowl
1 stir stick (the kind for paint is okay)
1 pair of safety glasses or goggles
1 pump garden sprayer
1 stiff bristle broom
1 tall ladder (how tall will depend on the height of your roof)
1 pair rubber-soled shoes
1 garden hose

Do this project on a cool, humid, overcast day to make sure that the cleaner doesn't dry too fast on the roof. Wait until the weather's right and then follow these steps:
Mix the hot water, bleach, and detergent until the soap granules dissolve and then pour the mixture into the garden sprayer.

Once on the roof, spray the cleaner on a strip about 3 feet high and 10 feet wide and let it sit for about 15 minutes.

Begin cleaning the lower portion of the roof, moving up as you clean each lower section. That way, you always stand on dry ground and reduce the chance of slipping.

If the cleaner begins to dry out, spray on a bit more.
Use the broom to scrub the area as needed to get it clean.
Rinse the cleaned area with fresh water.
Repeat the process until the roof is clean.

Cleaning your roof.
A wood shake or shingle roof covered with pine needles, leaves, moss, and other debris may retain water, causing the shingles to rot prematurely. An annual sweeping with a stiff bristle broom cuts down on fungus damage by enhancing proper watershed. Cleaning to promote proper watershed is important with other types of roofs, as well. Built-up debris can create a dam which can cause a leak.

Flashing

Roof flashing creates a watertight connection where the roof is adjoined by a wall, as when a first-story roof connects to a second-story wall. Roof flashing also creates watertight connections between the roofing and items that penetrate it, including plumbing pipes, furnace flues, skylights, and chimneys.

The metal trim around the chimney -- where the chimney intersects the roof -- is a type of roof flashing. The metal trim surrounding a skylight where the base of the skylight connects to the roof is another type of roof flashing. The metal plate laced between the shingles at a pipe penetration is yet another example of roof flashing. All roofs have roof flashing. Although some flashings are made of lead, most are made of galvanized sheet metal or aluminum. And that means rust or corrosion. And rust or corrosion means leaks.

To prevent flashings from leaking, you need to keep them from rusting. The application of a good coat of paint every few years generally does the trick.

After you apply the first coat of paint to your flashing, maintaining it is easy. You want to focus on removing any rust that appears and keeping the paint in good condition. You need the following items:
1 box of Tri Sodium Phosphate (TSP), mixed to manufacturer's specifications
Sandpaper or 1 wire brush
1 paint brush
1 can of rust converter
1 can of latex paint
Follow these steps to maintain rust on your flashing:
Wash the surface with the TSP.
The TSP etches (chemically roughens) the painted surface.
Use the sandpaper or the wire brush to remove all rust.
Clean away the dust and use the paintbrush to apply the rust converter.
The rust converter acts as a primer while converting leftover rust to an inert material.
Apply the latex paint as a finish coat.
We like to paint our roof flashings, vent pipes, and flue caps the same color as the roofing material, making them less obtrusive and more esthetically appealing.
One type of flashing, called vent flashing, incorporates a rubber grommet that seals the connection between the centermost portion of the flashing and the plumbing vent pipe. Keep this rubber grommet in good condition with a shot of rubber preservative every year or two.

Questions or comments write or email:
eugene.dougherty@realliving.com
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Municipal Court Moving to Stow?

STOW may be getting the Cuyahoga Falls Municipal Court. The Ohio General Assembly and the State Senate must approve the move. State Senator Kevin Coughlin stated he expects the legislation to be signed by the end of the year. Stows Mayor, Karen Fritschel is very excited about the move. Current Governor Bob Taft must approve the move, then it would take two years for the move to be final. The new court will be located on land, yet to be determined, in the Steels Corners Road Area.

The cost for the new courthouse between $6 and $8 million. The court would reimburse the city for construction through a special projects fund.

Source: Stow Sentry 12-17-06

Questions or comments write or email:
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Holiday Travel

With the holiday season in full swing, airlines remind all travelers to be prepared for extra airport congestion on peak travel days. Holiday travel peaks Dec. 19-23 and from Jan. 2-6. With that said, keep in mind the following tips:

Check your flight before leaving for the airport; there may be delays or even cancellations

Allow an extra hour to get through airport parking, check-in and security

Use the new check-in technology, such as Web site check-in or self-serve kiosks located near ticket counters

Carry-on luggage: Leave prohibited items at home or packed in checked luggage (Swiss Army knives, scissors, etc.)

Count carefully: one carry-on bag and one personal item such as a purse, briefcase, laptop or backpack are allowed on most airlines

Travel with unwrapped gifts to avoid being asked to unwrap them at airport security checkpoints

Be prepared to present photo identification before boarding a flight, regardless of the destination — without it, travel may be refused

Domestic travel requires photo identification and international travel requires a valid passport and any other documentation required to enter the country of destination, such as a visa

Questions or comments write or email:
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Real Estate Investing Tips

Here are some tips for investing in real estate.

* Know your market

*Look for cosmetic only repairs

* Be prepared to do the work yourself

* Know the features that will sell a home quickly, for example is the home close to schools, work districts and cultural and lifestyle conveniences

* Don't ignore curb appeal, curb appeal refers to the exterior of the home

* If quick revenue is your real goal, don't procrastinate

* Before purchasing, have a budget, timeline and strategy in place

* Have a professional inspection

* Know your financing options

* Don't start with a high risk property

* Consider the services of a realtor

Source www.hgtv.com

Questions or comments write or email:
eugene.dougherty@realliving.com
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Federal Reserve Meeting

The Federal Reserve had their final meeting of 2006 on Tuesday December 12. The result was the US benchmark interest rate remaining unchanged at 5.25%. The Fed cited the cooling of the housing market substantial, predicted a moderate expansion and called recent economic idicators mixed. Inflation topped the list of concerns for Bernanke and members of the Fed who are counting on the economy slowing enough to cool inflation.

At years end the economy has slowed from Feb 2006, when Bernanke replaced Alan Greenspan, The jobless rate dropped to 4.5% from 4.8% at the beginning of Bernankes term.

Trader speculation has the Fed cutting the benchmark interest rate at the May 9, 2007 meeting if not sooner.

Economists speculate the Fed is in a holding pattern due to inflation concerns.

Policy makers seem to be waiting for holiday season shopping results, which would gauge whether the housing and auto sales decline would spill over into the broader economy. Consumer spending accounts for nearly 70% of the US economy.

Mortgage Rates (as of December 14, 2006 5pm eastern time)
15 yr Current- 5.40% Previous month- 5.49%
30yr Current- 5.63% Previous month- 5.76%
1yr ARM Current- 5.29% Previous month- 5.34%

Source www.bloomberg.com

Questions or comments write or email:
eugene.dougherty@realliving.com
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Holiday Stress

The holidays are a time to enjoy family and friends. This year, instead of yearning for the holidays to be over, follow these tips to plan early and know the limits of what you can do without feeling distressed.

Involve the family.
Make a list of the jobs that need to be done — cleaning, cooking and decorating — and divide the responsibilities among different family members.

Make a shopping list.
Prepare a checklist of for whom you need to purchase holidays gifts and a few ideas for each. Otherwise the choices will seem endless and you'll be overwhelmed.

Shop at home.
Avoid the crowded malls by purchasing gifts online or through mail-order catalogs.

Host one holiday gathering.
Combine several small holiday get-togethers into one holiday open house. This will free up more time for errands and gift wrapping.

Take a time out.
Set aside at least 30 minutes out of your day to relax and unwind. Spend this time doing a favorite activity like reading, watching television or even sleeping!

Be realistic.
Prioritize the long list of tasks and be realistic in what can be accomplished. Compromise and concentrate on those traditions that are most important to you and your family.

Feeling some stress around the holidays is inevitable, but the key is knowing how to minimize your stress and manage the demands of the season

Questions or comments write or email:
eugene.dougherty@realliving.com
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Federal Reserve, Inflation and Your Home

With the newly elected congress being dominated by Democrats, their economic vision could clash with the Federal Reserve Chairman, Ben Bernake.

Bernake is scheduled to make his semiannual address on the economy in February where Democrats, led by House Financial Services Chairman Barney Frank are expected to turn up the heat on Bernake. The Federal reserve could raise interest rates if inflation remains elevated. This in spite of the housing slump which is slowing the economy.

Some major issues Bernake can expect from congress include the slowing of economic growth over the past two quarters. The fact that Bernake is against trade sanctions with China. He feels trade with China will strengthen the yuan which will lead to controlling inflation.

The wage inflation issue will be a major issue. Bernake feels the boost in the minimum wage will only have a small effect on inflation overall, however the Federal Reserve panel says their preferred measure of prices rose to 2.4% during the year which is out of Bernakes comfort zone of 1-2%. If the wage increases are passed onto consumers in the form of price increases this could worsen inflation.

Mortgage Rates ( As of December, 08-2006 7pm eastern time)
15yr. Current- 5.35% Prior Month- 5.83%
30yr. Current- 5.29% Prior Month- 5.81%
1yr. ARM Current- 5.29% Prior Month- 5.36%

Source: www.bloomberg.com

Questions or comments write or email:
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Christmas Tree Shopping

A complete guide to help you shop for, purchase and care for a Christmas tree

Every year millions of families shop for and purchase "real" cut Christmas trees from Christmas tree farms and local lots. According to the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA), 56 million trees are planted each year for future Christmases and 30 to 35 million families will buy a "real" tree this year.

First, have some fun by taking this Christmas tree quiz to find out how holiday tree savvy you are: Christmas Tree Quiz. Don't worry about your score. Take this quiz for the learning experience. Shop Early!The weekend after Thanksgiving is traditionally when most Christmas trees are sold. But you should really consider shopping earlier as it will pay off with less competition for higher quality tree selections and a fresher tree.

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You should consider mid-November a time to plan and follow through on your purchase. Remember, every year is different when it comes to tree availability. Some years have less shopping days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Tree sellers will be busy over a shorter period of time and you will not have as many days to find a tree.Natural disruptions (insects, disease, fire, drought or ice) can cause regional tree shortages which can make certain species hard to find. In any event, buyers need to plan and purchase early to pick from the best trees on the lot. Buying OnlineYou can now buy a Christmas tree online and with only a few key strokes - and 300,000 people shop this way every year. Buying directly from a quality grower will save valuable holiday time plus you will avoid a cold, overcrowded tree lot only to find poor quality trees. It is especially handy to order on-line for someone who has trouble getting out to buy. A special Christmas treat for even the healthy would be seeing a delivery truck delivering their own fresh tree for Christmas (make sure you know the size and varities they like).

Five of the most popular Internet Christmas tree dealers selling fresh from the farm. Possible Christmas Tree SelectionsChristmas tree growers offer an awesome selection of tree species with excellent aromatic varieties that retain their needles through the entire season. At least 10 species are commercially grown and sold in large quantities in North America. Start by viewing what North Americans consider the 10 most popular Christmas tree's. Then learn a little more about each of theseTop 10 Christmas Trees selected as the most popular in North America.

Source www.about.com

Questions or comments write or email:
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Winterize Your Home

Pet dander, dust and smoke are harmful particles and allergens that we try to avoid at all times. But did you know that by making your home too airtight and energy efficient, you could potentially be putting you and your family at risk? If your home is too energy efficient, you could be trapping in those harmful particles and allergens, giving them no means of escape.
Have no fear! There are many different steps you can take to control levels of indoor air pollution during the cold winter months, and throughout the year. Here are several practical and useful tips, courtesy of the American Lung Associate Health House project:

Run your furnace fan continuously, regardless of the outdoor temperature. It's important to do because the filter can only capture particles if the furnace is running.

When cooking, make sure gas cooking appliances are vented to the outdoors, and the kitchen fan is turned on. By doing so, these measures will help prevent dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide from accumulating in the home.

When burning firewood indoors, never store more than a few pieces at a time. Storing firewood indoors can release harmful contaminants into your home.

When showering, operate your bathroom fan to remove moisture from showers, or simply crack the window to prevent moisture buildup.
By following these simple steps, you can breathe easy and have a safe holiday season!

Questions or comments write or email:
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Holiday Parties

If you are having a holiday party or event you would like to promote email me and I will post your advertisement on the blog.

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YOUR Personal Guide to Real Estate

Holiday Centerpiece Ideas

Enjoy peppermint pleasures.
Place a white pillar candle on a clear glass plate. Tie a red ribbon around the candle and then surround it with unwrapped red and white peppermint disk candies and small and large traditional candy canes. You can make a similar centerpiece using other types of candies or other colors.

Have a holly jolly holiday.
Place a thick red pillar candle on a white plate. Purchase a package of spearmint gumdrop candy, shaped like leaves, and a bag of regular gumdrops. Arrange the leaves around the candle to look like holly, using red gumdrops for berries. Red gumballs or other red candies will also work.

Create a fresh fruit basket.
Line a basket with holiday wrapping paper or a holiday-themed hand towel. Fill the basket with both red and green apples, stacking them in a pyramid shape. Polish the apples before placing them in the basket to give them a nice shine. You can decorate with bows or other holiday accessories by attaching the accessories to floral wire and sticking the wire between the apples. If you don't have floral wire, you can use twist ties.

Wrap it up.
Gather tiny, empty boxes and wrap them with leftover wrapping paper. Add bows and ribbon to make them look like beautiful gifts. Place them on your table around holiday-colored candles or a miniature holiday tree.

Questions or comments write or email:
eugene.dougherty@realliving.com
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YOUR Personal Guide to Real Estate

Holiday Shopping Online

With the holiday season in full swing so is shopping. A large portion of consumers are choosing to purchase gifts and merchandise online. According to the Better Business Bureau www.BBB.org , here are some ways to make sure your shopping experience is a safe one.

-Is your computer protected? Make sure your computer is equipped with updated spam filters, anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a secure firewall. Check for and install any new security updates for the programs on your computer and its operating system.

-Are you in the right frame of mind? You can shop with speed and ease on the Internet, but you still need to shop smart. If you're tired or distracted, you may want to postpone your online shopping expedition until you can be fully cyber-"aware."

-Do you trust the merchant? To check on the seller's reputation, look for feedback comments from other customers or conduct Web searches. Check with the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org) for a report about the retailers marketplace record. Look for a "trustmark" from BBBOnLine or another reputable organization and "click" on that seal to confirm that it's valid. You can search for BBBOnLine merchants by gift category or other key words at www.bbbonline.org.

-Do you have all the details? Don't do business with any retailer that does not provide its physical address and a contact telephone number for customers. You should know how much the product or service costs; if there are shipping and handling charges; the delivery time-frame; if a warranty or guarantee is offered; the seller's privacy policy and the retailer's cancellation and return policy. Print out a copy of your confirmation page in case you need it later.

-Will your online purchase be secure? Look in the address box for the "s" in https:// and in the lower-right corner for the "lock" symbol before paying. Don't be fooled by spoofed sites that feature convincing "security" measures. If you have doubts about a site, right-click anywhere on the page and select "Properties." This will let you see the real URL (Web site address) and the dialog box will reveal if the site is "not encrypted."

-Will your personal information be protected? Read the site's privacy policy to understand what personal information is being requested and how it will be used. If there isn't one posted, consider that a warning that your personal information may be sold to others without your permission.

-Are your instincts telling you to beware? Listen to your gut. If you're dubious about a merchant; if the Web site appears to be suspicious; if the offer seems "too good to be true," trust your instincts. Check with the BBB.

-Is that e-mail legitimate? If someone e-mails you unexpectedly to ask for personal information, be very suspicious. Legitimate businesses do not send e-mails claiming problems with an order or an account to lure the "buyer" into revealing financial information. Pick up the phone and call the contact number on the Web site where you made the purchase to ask if there was a problem with your transaction.

Source www.BBB.org

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eugene.dougherty@realliving.com
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Home Update Information

Selling your home? Here are the top 15 home updates according to www.hgtv.com The percentages next to the update is the average return at resale.

1. Minor bathroom remodel- 102%

2. Landscaping- 100%

3. Minor kitchen remodel- 98.5%

4. Vinyl siding, fresh paint, front entry- 70%

5. Attic bedroom conversion- 93.5%

6. Major bathroom remodel- 93.2%

7. Major kitchen remodel- 91%

8. Deck, patio or porch addition- 90.3%

9. Basement remodel- 90.1%

10. Replacement windows- 89.6%

11. Family room- 83%

12. Bonus room updates- 72.8% An example of a bonus room update would be converting a bonus room into an office.

13. Living room updates- Decor- 66%

14. Bedroom updates- 52%

15. Living room updates- Walls and Floors- 40%

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Driving Safely During Winter

Winter driving brings its own challenges. Winter is a great season for vacations, offering wonderful opportunities for romantic weekend getaways, downhill and cross-country skiing, and visiting friends and relatives during the holidays. But winter travel can quickly become winter trauma if you aren’t prepared for the extra challenges of winter driving.

Winter weather can make road conditions unpredictable, and sometimes treacherous. Even in southern locations, where winters are usually mild, unusual freezing temperatures or unexpected snow and ice may bring winter driving surprises that can ruin a winter vacation.
Before you hit the road for a winter vacation, take time to prepare yourself and your vehicle for winter driving.

Here are a few winter driving tips, with links to expanded resources, to help make your winter vacation safe and successful:

Winterize Your Vehicle The first step for safe winter driving is getting your car, truck or recreational vehicle ready for winter driving and winter road conditions. Simple things like these can make winter driving safer:
Check tire pressure
Inspect all belts and hoses
Make sure the battery is fully charged
Change the oil, switching to a thinner grade of engine oil for better performance in colder temperatures
Inspect the wipers and wiper fluid to ensure better visibility

Driving in Snow Before setting out on your winter driving adventure, whether you're headed to the ski slope or the mall, review and rehearse the proven techniques for winter driving in snow and other winter road conditions:
Drive more slowly
Brake before you turn a corner.
If you go into a skid, turn your wheels into the skid and accelerate slightly to regain control of your vehicle. This does not seem intuitive, so it may help to practice in an empty parking lot or a deserted road before you experience this in traffic.

Pack an Emergency Road Kit and Learn How to Handle Common Emergencies If something does go wrong on your winter driving trip, you'll want to have what you need to handle any situation, from a flat tire to an overheated engine. Start by packing winter driving basics, such as emergency flares, extra oil and antifreeze, blankets and drinking water, and a cell phone so that you can call for assistance. Then click the link above for a complete list of emergency supplies and some brief tutorials on common roadside emergencies.
How to cope with roadside emergencies. Learning how to handle common roadside emergencies will make winter driving less stressful and more fun:

Learn How to Install Tire Chains If you do much winter driving, there’s a good chance you’ll have to install tire chains sooner or later. Start by choosing chains that are easy to install, then practice putting them on and taking them off a few times in your driveway. Crouching in the dark, on the edge of a snowy highway, is no way to try installing tire chains for the first time.

Learn How to Change a Flat Tire Flat tires are never fun and they're always inconvenient, but flat tires are easy to fix if you have the right tools and you know what to do. Make sure your spare tire is properly inflated and in good repair, and be sure you have a full set of tools, including a good jack that you know how to operate and a lug wrench that will get the job done. Many cars now have locking lug nuts, a security feature that can confound a stranded motorist who doesn't know where to find the special tool that opens the lock. Review your owner's manual in advance to be sure you're familiar with the way your vehicle works, and then check out these step-by-step instructions and a special how-to video.

Learn How to Jump Start a Car One of the most common winter driving problems is a battery that has lost power and is no longer able to start your car. If that happens, you'll need a good set of jumper cables and good Samaritan to lend a hand. These step-by-step instructions will teach you everything you need to know.

Drive Carefully Now that you reviewed all of the winter driving tips and techniques presented here, you’re ready to explore a winter wonderland of travel and recreation. Drive carefully and pay attention to other drivers; not everyone is as well-prepared for winter driving as you are.

Source: www.about.com

Questions or comments write or email:
eugene.dougherty@realliving.com
www.realtyone.com/eugene.dougherty
YOUR Personal Guide to Real Estate

Akron General Health Center

The Akron General Health Centers new location at Route 8 and Steels Corners road is offering a chance to purchase early memberships. The health and wellness center projected opening is summer of 2007. Memberships will go on sale Friday December 1, 2006. The hours to obtain a membership are Monday though Friday 8am- 7pm and Saturday 9am- 12pm. There will be a 65% discount on the one time enrollment fee of $275 for individuals, $325 for couples and $350 for families. This discount will be available to the first 500 people to enroll on December 1, 2006.

The new facility is 96,403 square feet with 200 pieces of cardiovascular and weight equipment, indoor track and three swimming pools. The staff will include athletic and personal trainers exercise physiologists, nutrition and wellness experts. There will also be a 24 hour emergency room staffed with emergency medical physicians and 18 beds.

Questions or comments: write or email:
eugene.dougherty@realliving.com
www.realtyone.com/eugene.dougherty
YOUR Personal Guide to Real Estate

Selling a Home in Akron, Ohio

Selling a home in Akron, Ohio here are some market stats you should be aware of. These numbers include Akron, Coventry and Ellet.

June 2006
For Sale- 1904
Sold- 243
Days on Market- 80

July 2006
For Sale- 1971
Sold- 214
Days on Market- 69

August 2006
For Sale- 2024
Sold- 246
Days on Market- 83

September 2006
For Sale- 1992
Sold- 204
Days on Market- 74

New market stats coming soon.

Questions or comments: write or email eugene.dougherty@realliving.com

Selling a Home in Stow or Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio

Selling your home in Stow or Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio? Here are some market stats you should be aware of.

Stow, Ohio: August 2006, there were 207 homes for sale, 31 sold and the homes were on the market for 58 days.
September 2006, there were 196 homes for sale, 24 sold and the homes were on the market for 74 days.

Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio: August 2006, there were 342 homes for sale, 54 sold and the homes were on the market for 67 days.
September 2006, there were 327 homes for sale, 49 sold and the homes were on the market for 60 days.

New market stats coming soon.

Questions or comments: write or email eugene.dougherty@realliving.com

Thanksgiving Facts

Here are some interesting facts about Thanksgiving.

Around 280 million turkeys are sold for the Thanksgiving

Fifty percent of Americans put the stuffing inside the Turkey

Twenty percent of cranberries eaten are eaten on Thanksgiving

More than 40 million green bean casseroles are served on Thanksgiving

About 50% of Americans put the stuffing inside the Turkey?

Thanksgiving was first declared a National Day in 1789 by George Washington

In October 1777, all 13 colonies celebrated Thanksgiving for the first time; however, it was a one-time affair commemorating a victory over the British at Saratoga

Thomas Jefferson mocked the idea of having Thanksgiving

President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday in November as a national day of Thanksgiving in 1863

Have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving.

Source: www.about.com

Questions or comments: write or email eugene.dougherty@realliving.com

Akron Children's Hospital 25th Annual Holiday Tree Festival

The Holiday Tree Festival runs Nov 19- Nov 26 at the John S. Knight Center. The admission is free, hours are 10am to 9pm daily and 11am to 6pm on Sundays. Thanksgiving day hours are 2pm to 6pm. Here is the entertainment schedule.

Nov 20
11am- Kent Stanton Middle School Orchestra
1pm- Firestone High School Orchestra
3pm- Stow- Munroe Falls Choir and Madrigals
4pm- Stow- Munroe Falls High School Orchestra
5pm- Akron Childrens Hospital Chorus
6pm- Metro Parks Ensemble
7pm- Walsh Jesuit High School Ensembles

Nov 21
11am- Twinsburg RB Chamberlain Middle School Chorus
12pm- Cuyahoga Falls Womens Ensembles
2pm- Cuyahoga Valley Christan Academy Bell Choir
3pm- Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy Choirs
4pm- Cuyahoga Falls Roberts Middle School Select
5pm- Forever Harmony Chorus
7pm- Yusef Khan Grottos Chorus
8pm- Ron Hill and Julie

Nov 22
11am- St. Cecelia Choral Society
12pm- Springfield Choral Society
1pm- Cuyahoga Falls High School M&M's
2pm- Cuyahoga Falls High School Acapella Choir
3pm- Ariel Petrella
4pm- Stow- Munroe Falls Kimpton Middle School Orchestra
5pm- Kenmore High School Madrigals
7pm- Ariel Petrella

Thanksgiving Day
2pm- The Spraglings
4pm- Angelicus
5pm- Donna McDonald

Nov 24
10am- Patterson Park Singin Seniors
11am- The Kings Chapel Orchestra
12pm- Rachel Roberts
1pm- Womans City Club
2pm- Jessica Weber and Lyn Spellman
3pm- East Market Church of God Choir
4pm- Jessica Weber and Lynn Spellman
7pm- Heart of Ohio Chorus
8pm- Fall Festival Choir

Nov 25
11am- Bath Brass Band
12pm- Catherine Robison and Todd Ranney
1pm- Stow Heritage Ringers
2pm- Ted Shure
3pm- Cuyahoga Falls Community Chorus

Nov 26
1pm- Church in the Falls
3pm- Kent Roosevelt High School Ensembles
4pm- Kaleidoscope
5pm- Kaleidoscope

Questions or comments: write or email eugene.dougherty@realliving.com

Mold and your home

Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores that are invisible to the naked eye. Mold grows on wet spots and is easily controlled. Control moisture in your home and you control mold in your home. Water damaged areas should be dried within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. Clean and repair roof gutters regularly. The ground should slope away from a building foundation which will prevent water entering or collecting around the foundation. Air conditioning drip pans should be kept clean and drain lines should be unobstructed and flow freely. Indoor humidity should be kept between 30 and 50%. Humidity meters can be purchased from $10- $50. Condensation can be a sign of high humidity.

Mold can be cleaned by the home owner if the area under consideration is approximately 3 ft. by 3 ft. If mold covers an area of more than 10 square feet the clean up should be performed by a professional cleanup contractor. Information can be found at www.epa.gov/mold.

Source: US EPA

Questions or comments: write or email eugene.dougherty@realliving.com

Dress up your Thanksgiving table

Serving Trays with a Twist
Save your best serving tray for a centerpiece! Place miniature pumpkins and gourds on a white serving dish, garnished with berries and deep burgundy colored flowers.

Indoor Branches
Cut small branches from your own trees that have interesting berries and acorns. Put the thin stems into a tall, narrow vase for a quick and unique arrangement.

Cider Scents
Nothing says fall like hot apple cider. Bring the scent to life by putting red and green apples in a large, clear punch bowl and placing a cinnamon-scented wide pillar candle in the center. For an extra touch, use a scented candle and sprinkle mulberries throughout the bowl.

Pumpkin Holders
Carve out the top of a small pumpkin and use it as a vase for your favorite fall bouquet, or wedge a pillar candle in the top. Wrap a fall ribbon or lace around the pumpkin and place it on layered wooden trays.

A Fresh Coat of Paint
Paint your pumpkins with your favorite fall colors. For homes with children, use a painted on face as an alternative to carving.

With a little time and creativity, you can add some autumn spice to your home — just in time for Thanksgiving!

Questions or comments write or email: eugene.dougherty@realliving.com

Housing Markets

These communities the private mortgage industry thinks will show the safest places to buy without fear of a loss of value.

1. Pittsburgh, 6.1 percent
2. Indianapolis-Carmel, Ind., 6.3 percent
3. Memphis, Tenn.-Miss.-Ark., 6.8 percent
4. Cincinnati-Middletown, Ohio-Ky.-Ind., 7.2 percent
5. Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor, Ohio, 7.4 percent
6. Columbus, Ohio, 7.4 percent
7. Fort Worth-Arlington, Texas (MSAD), 7.6 percent
8. San Antonio, Texas, 7.8 percent
9. Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro, Tenn., 8.6 percent
10. Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, Texas, 8.8 percent

The percentage is the probability determined by the PMI Institute that housing prices in that market sector will go down 10 percent or more in the next two years. Pittsburghs chance of losing 10 percent is 6.1 percent making the city the safest investment according to the PMI Group.

Source: Private Mortgage Industry Institute

Questions or comments write or email: eugene.dougherty@realliving.com

Paint colors for your home

Choosing the right paint color means more than sorting through a few sample strips at the hardware store. Here are some tips to help you choose the right color:

Be patient
Paint is available in an infinite array of colors, and is the most versatile element of your room. Get ideas, but make the final decision after rugs, wallpaper and fabrics are finalized.
Study the colors. You'll find clues about the underlying tones of different shades of a color on a full sample strip of coordinated colors. Decide if the family of colors is the direction you're headed with your color selection.

Trim it out
Choosing an off-white or white shade for moldings, doors and windows is normally the standard choice. Consider a pale shade of color to coordinate with the walls. For a really striking look, try lighter walls and dark tones or bright colors for the trim.

Keep notes as you shop
It's a good idea to make a note on the back of the paint color cards, telling yourself the name of the store where you picked it up and the paint brand whenever this information isn't printed there already.

Shed a little light
To get a true view of a paint color, try to look at it in many lights. Take the paint chip outside to see it in natural light. Look at it under an incandescent and fluorescent light.

Ask for help
For helpful paint advice, go both online or visit your local paint store. Tell the paint professional about the goals for your decorating project. Ask which paint products they recommend, and why.

Questions or comments: write or email eugene.dougherty@realliving.com

Tips for plants in your house

Here are some tips for houseplants.

Exposure
Too much light — especially direct sunlight — will slightly burn a houseplant's leaves. Any plant that looks long and limp is searching for more light. Figure out the levels of light in each room at various times during the day. Then try different plants in different rooms and see how they react. Most houseplants will respond to any environment in a week or so, letting you know if a certain room is suitable.

Water
Over-watering is the most common cause of death for houseplants, so you should always inspect the plant before watering. Press your finger about an inch or two into the soil and if you feel dampness, the plant doesn't need water. If the foliage is drooping at all, water immediately. Water thoroughly until it drains through the bottom of the pot.

Temperature
Most houseplants enjoy the 70° F temperature of your home as much as you do. But keep them away from heating ducts and drafty windows because most can't withstand hot or cold air blowing on them — even for a brief period of time.

Humidity
You don't need to turn your living room into the Amazon Rainforest, but you do need to provide your houseplants with a decent amount of moist air. The bathroom and kitchen are the best places for higher humidity because of the running water and escaping steam. An inexpensive humidifier is also a good option for increasing the humidity in your home.

Before buying any houseplant, make sure you read the informational tag or ask a knowledgeable clerk to find out the treatment requirements of the plant.

Questions or comments: write or email eugene.dougherty@realliving.com

Ohio Election Results

Governor- Ted Strickland-D defeats Ken Blackwell-R

U.S. Senate- Sherrod Brown- D defeats Mike DeWine-R

U.S. House- 13th District (portions of Summit, Medina, Cuyahoga and Lorain counties) Betty Sue Sutton-D defeats Craig Foltin-R

14th District (portions of Summit, Portage, Cuyahoga and Trumbull counties, all of Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake counties) Steve LaTourette-R defeats Leo Katz-D

16th District (portions of Medina and Ashland counties and all of Stark and Wayne counties) Ralph Regula-R defeats Thomas Shaw-D

17th District ( portions of Summit, Portage, Mahoning and Trumbull counties) Tim Ryan-D defeats Don Manning II-R

Secretary of State- Marc Dann- D defeats Betty Montgomery- R

Attorney General- Jennifer Brunner- D defeats Greg Hartman- R

State Treasurer- Richard Condray- D defeats Sandra O'Brien- R

State Issues

Issue 2- Raised Ohio's minimum wage to $6.80 an hour- Passed

Issue 3- Would permit slot machines at seven horse tracks in Ohio and two sites in Cleveland- Failed

Issue 4- Ban smoking in public offices and most businesses and permit smoking in bars, restaurants, bingo halls and bowling alleys- Failed

Issue 5- Ban smoking in all restaurants, workplaces, and most areas open to the public- Passed

Questions or comments: write or email eugene.dougherty@realliving.com

Leaf cleanup tips for your home

Dreading the chore of raking your lawn doesn't help much; it still has to be done.

Leaving leaves on slippery surfaces has danger written all over it, and what a lot of people don't realize is letting leaves build up on your flower beds creates a nest for many fungi and insects.

To avoid future headaches, try turning this chore into a fun activity for the entire family. If you have little ones running around, raking leaves is a lot more fun that you could ever imagine! For a few dollars, you can find a small child's size play rake at any home and garden store. The entire afternoon can be spent raking leaves into piles, then jumping, playing and bagging them in the end. You'll be happy and your children will enjoy getting the job done.

For those of us that really love our lawn and want to have beautiful green grass in the spring, we've learned to accept the chore and make it a habit. If you aren't sure how to keep your lawn in top-notch shape and want to learn the tricks of the trade, read on!

First, you'll need to mow your lawn, leaves and all. This reduces the overall volume and makes for easier clean-up. Next, you'll need to collect the chopped-up bits in the lawn mower bag and arrange them in piles. In a couple of weeks, the pile will shrink by half, then in the spring it will have reduced by half again and your mountain of leaves will have created a few inches of good compost for summer mulching.

Questions or comments write or email: eugene.dougherty@realliving.com

Garage organization tips for your home.

Here are some tips on organizing the garage at your home.

No pack-rats allowed.
Throw away anything that's broken, has missing pieces or isn't used anymore. The rusty 10-speed bike and old push broom with worn out bristles don't do you any good by rotting in your garage and taking up valuable space. Get rid of them!

Categorize everything.
Once you have figured out what you don't want to keep, take an inventory all items you would like to store in your garage and put them into categories. A list could include pool toys, lawn and garden equipment, sporting equipment, chemicals/cleaning supplies and home-repair tools. Grouping items together will make it easier to find them when needed.

Stay practical.
Some people get so caught up in creating more space that they bury commonly used tools or equipment in a hard-to-reach corner of their garage. Save yourself the headache of digging up that extension cord or your child's bike. Make sure any regularly-used equipment is accessible.

Go higher.
The key to clearing space in your garage, like any area in your home, is to pack vertically. Hooks allow you to take unwieldy equipment, such as garden hoses, rakes, shovels and hoes off the ground and hang them on walls out of your way. Shelves, cabinets and drawers will also allow you to get smaller equipment and supplies off the floor and place them in an organized place for easy access.

With a little time and organization, you can turn your messy storage space back into the spacious, functional two-car garage you envisioned when you first moved in.

Questions or comments write or email: eugene.dougherty@realliving.com

Room organization for your home

Here are some tips for organizing the rooms in your home.

Create a Conversation Space
When deciding on a seating arrangement, a U-shaped conversation area is ideal, while an L-shaped area is always uncomfortable. A sofa and a matching pair of chairs easily establish a comfortable U-shaped configuration that allows everyone who is seated to have an intimate chat facing everyone else.

Focus Attention to One Area
Almost every living room has at least one natural focal point. If yours has a fireplace, that will surely be it. Other focal points might be a picture window with a wonderful view or a pair of French doors. Whatever the focal point of your room, be sure you arrange your furniture to take advantage of it — since everyone's eyes will naturally be drawn toward it.

Think in Pairs
To create a beautiful room, think in pairs. If you have a good piece without a mate, find it a partner. For example, end tables will complement each other if they are of similar size and finish. Fit two lamps of similar height and style with new, matching shades.

Group Furniture Wisely
If you walk around your home and feel as if you're navigating an obstacle course, it may be time to rearrange your furniture. Be sure you living room chairs and sofa are grouped close together. Otherwise, anyone walking through the living room will be forced to cross between those who are seated and interrupt their conversation. If possible, avoid having the traffic pattern cross in front of the television.

Create Balance With Chairs
In small rooms, use armless upholstered chairs such as slipper style, which will allow more space than chairs with arms but will provide a more comfortable, small-scale alternative to wooden chairs. If your budget won't allow you to buy a pair of matching chairs, purchase one chair and a matching ottoman.

Questions or comments write or email: eugene.dougherty@realliving.com

Hospitals close to home

Akron Children's Hospital
1 Perkins Square
Akron, Ohio 330-543-1000 www.akronchildrens.org

Akron General Health System, Akron General Medical Center
400 Wabash Avenue
Akron, Ohio 330-384-6000 www.agmc.org

Edwin Shaw Hospital
1621 Flickinger Road
Akron, Ohio 330-784-1271 www.edwinshaw.com

Edwin Shaw Rehabilitation Center North
1345 Corporate Drive
Hudson, Ohio 330-650-9610

Summa Health System
www.summahealth.org

Akron City Hospital
525 East Market Street
Akron, Ohio 330-375-3000

Cuyahoga Falls General
1900 23rd Street
Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 330-971-7000

St. Thomas Hospital
444 North Main Street
Akron, Ohio 330-375-3000

Questions or comments write or email: eugene.dougherty@realliving.com

Radon testing for your newly purchased home

If you are purchasing a new home one thing you may want to consider having performed is a radon test. Radon is a radioactive gas which causes cancer. You can't smell, see or taste radon.

If you are purchasing a home here is a radon checklist.

- first determine if the home has already been tested for radon, if it has
- obtain the results of the previous test
- determine who conducted the test, the previous homeowner, a radon professional or another individual
- where was the test performed, the radon test should be performed below the third floor
- if a previous test was performed determine if there was any changes to the heating, cooling or ventilation systems in the home

If the home never had a radon test
- who will conduct the test, look for a qualified radon tester, you may also order a radon test kit by mail from a qualified radon measurement services provider or laboratory
- where the test will be conducted
- what type of radon test to conduct, options are a short-term test which lasts 2- 90 days or a long- term test which lasts for more than 90 days.
- when to conduct the test
- before the test takes place determine how you the purchaser and the seller will share the test results and test costs
- when radon mitigation measures will be taken and who will pay for them

Radon tests are reported in picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L) or working levels (WL). If the radon test is in pCi/L a level of 4 pCi/L or higher requires the homes radon level be fixed. If the radon test is in WL a level of 0.02 WL or higher requires the homes radon level be fixed.

Source: United States EPA

Questions or comments, write or email: eugene.dougherty@realliving.com

Selling a home in Stow or Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio?

Selling your home or thinking of putting your home on the market? Here are the market stats for July, 2006.

Stow: 196 homes for sale, 34 sold, 43 days on the market.

Cuyahoga Falls: 286 homes for sale, 42 sold, 58 days on the market. New stats coming soon.

Questions or comments: write or email eugene.dougherty@realliving.com

Thinking of buying a home?

Thinking of buying a home, now may be the time. At Wednesday's meeting the Federal Reserve kept its lending interest rate at 5.25% which means interest rates on mortgages are virtually unchanged. If your a buyer the inventory of existing homes is up which means you will have plenty to choose from. According to the National Association of Realtors housing starts are down 18% from last year, new home sales are down 17%, existing home sales are down 14% and inventory of existing homes for sale is up 35%. Mortgage rates as of 10-27-2006 source Bloomberg: 15 yr current- 5.61, last month 5.47, 30yr current- 5.89, last month 5.75 and 1yr ARM current- 5.36, last month 5.26.

Other economic news
For the third quarter 2006 oil companies once again posted record profits.

Exxon Mobil $10.5 billion up 5.7% from last year
Shell $5.94 billion down 34% from last year

Questions or comments: write or email eugene.dougherty@realliving.com

Ohio's Governors Race

The election is November 7, 2006. Here is where the candidates stand on the issues.

Ted Strickland: Democrat, Assistant Minister Trinity United Methodist Church Portsmouth, Ohio 1997- present. His running mate is Lee Fisher, former Ohio Attorney General.

Ken Blackwell: Republican, Ohio secretary of state 1999- present. His running mate is State Rep. Tom Raga.

TAXES:
Strickland
Believes Ohio should take time to realize the effects of the tax reform which was recently passed. He says he won't cut taxes and also says he will not raise taxes.

Blackwell
Is in favor of cutting the states income tax to a flat 3.25%. He wants to do away with the stand alone estate tax and would roll back the state sales tax to 5%.


HEALTH CARE :
Strickland
Is in favor of creating an Ohio healthcare exchange where by small businesses and private insurers would come together to create low cost health care packages and make them available to uninsured Ohioans. Participation would be voluntary. Low income families would get help to pay for premiums.

Blackwell
Is in favor of creating the Buckeye Health Plan to cover uninsured Ohioans. The plan would match Ohioans with existing health care programs which would include the transfer of all Ohio's Medicaid programs to private insurance companies.

EDUCATION:
Strickland
Would spend $50 million per year on early childhood education and would establish a state department which would establish programs for children from prenatal to age 6. Also, college savings accounts which the state would contribute a total of $4,000 annually
over 18 years.

Blackwell
Is in favor of the 65 cent solution which requires 65 cents of every education dollar be spent in the classroom on books, teachers and supplies.


JOBS:
Strickland
Wants to expand state assistance to help save and grow business in Ohio. Also wants to invest in alternative fuels and clean energy technology which he believes would create 22,000 jobs. The plan includes ethanol production and clean coal technologies. He would also invest in the states broadband infrastructure.

Blackwell
Wants to lease the Ohio Turnpike for $4- $6 billion and use the money to start Jobs for Ohio Businesses Fund (JOB). The money would be spent on alternative energy development and clean coal, a revolving loan fund, improving turnpike corridor development and creating universal broadband access.

Questions or comments: write or email eugene.dougherty@realliving.com

Summit and Portage County, Ohio Trick or Treat

Summit County, Ohio

Akron 5- 7 pm Oct 28
Barberton 5- 7 pm Oct 28
Bath Township 5- 7 pm Oct 29
Boston Heights 6- 8 pm Oct 31
Clinton 2- 4 pm Oct 29
Copley Township 5- 7 pm Oct 29
Coventry Township Each neighborhood sets times
Cuyahoga Falls 6- 8 pm Oct 28
Fairlawn 5- 7 pm Oct 29
Green 6- 8 pm Oct 29
Hudson Each neighborhood sets times
Macedonia 6- 8 pm Oct 31
Mogadore 2- 4 pm Oct 29
Munroe Falls 6- 8 pm Oct 28
New Franklin 6- 8 pm Oct 28
Norton 5- 7 pm Oct 29
Northfield 6- 8 pm Oct 31
Northfield Center Township 6- 8 pm Oct 31
Peninsula 6- 7 pm Oct 31
Reminderville 6- 8 pm Oct 31
Richfield 6- 8 pm Oct 31
Richfield Township 6- 8 pm Oct 31
Sagamore Hills Township 6- 8 pm Oct 31
Silver Lake 6- 8 pm Oct 28
Springfield Township 5- 7 pm Oct 28
Stow 6- 8 pm Oct 28
Tallmadge 5:30- 7 pm Oct 26
Twinsburg 6- 8 pm Oct 31

Portage County

Atwater Township 2- 4 pm Oct 29
Aurora 6- 8 pm Oct 31
Brimfield Township 2- 4 pm Oct 29
Franklin Township 3- 5 pm Oct 29
Garrettsville 5:30- 7 pm Oct 31
Hiram 5- 7 pm Oct 31
Kent 3- 5 pm Oct 29
Mantua 6- 8 pm Oct 31
Mantua Township 5- 7 pm Oct 31
Ravenna 3- 5 pm Oct 29
Ravenna Township 3- 5 pm Oct 29
Rootstown Township 1- 3 pm Oct 29
Shalersville Township 2- 5 pm Oct 29
Streetsboro 2- 4 pm Oct 29
Suffield Township 2- 4 pm Oct 29

Questions or comments: write or email eugene.dougherty@realliving.com

Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio Schools

Cuyahoga Falls Board of Education is located at the Harold Wilson Administrative Center 431 Stow Avenue Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio www.cfalls.cummit.k12.oh.us

Superintendent: Dr. Edwin Holland
Assistant Superintendent: Walter Davis
Treasurer: Kathryn Sines

The Board of Education meets the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 7pm. Meetings are held in the board room at the Harold Wilson Administrative Center, 431 Stow Avenue.

Cuyahoga Falls Schools:

Dewitt Elementary School, Grades K-5 425 Falls Avenue, Cuyahoga Falls
Principal Curt Kennedy

Price Elementary School, Grades K-5 2610 Delmore Street, Cuyahoga Falls
Principal Dyanne Schoterman

Lincoln Elementary School, Grades K-5 3131 Bailey Road, Cuyahoga Falls
Principal Rose Heintz

Richardson Elementary School, Grades K-5 2226 23rd Street, Cuyahoga Falls
Principal Frank Margida

Preston Elementary School, Grades K-5 800 Tallmadge Road, Cuyahoga Falls
Principal Kirk Bennett

Silver Lake Elementary School, Grades K-5 2970 Overlook Road, Silver Lake
Principal Ellen McClure

Bolich Middle School, Grades 6-8 2630 13th Street, Cuyahoga Falls
Principal Chris McBurney

Roberts Middle School, Grades 6-8 3333 Charles Street, Cuyahoga Falls
Principal Tom Ratcliff

Cuyahoga Falls High School, 2300 4th Street, Cuyahoga Falls
Principal Nick Valentine

Schnee Learning Center, 2222 Issaquah Street, Cuyahoga Falls
Principal Mrs. Cardone

Stow, Ohio Leaf Pickup

District 1: Areas north of Graham Road and east of Route 91, October 23- 28, November 13- 18

District 2: Areas north of Graham Road and west of Route 91, October 30- November 4, November 20-25

District 3: Areas south of Graham Road, November 6-11, November 27- December 1

* Leaves should be raked out to the edge of the street, not into the street.

* Leaves must be on the curb by 7am on the Monday of your scheduled week

* Leaves containing branches, brush, grass clippings or debris will not be picked up.

* Leaves that are bagged will not be picked up.

Source: Stow Sentry October 15, 2006

Questions or comments: write or email eugene.dougherty@realliving.com

Stow, Ohio's School Tax

Issue 10 will be on the ballot Nov 07, 2006. If voted in, Stow and Munroe Falls residents could see the tax rate on their earned incomes increase 1/2%. The income tax rates of Stow and Munroe Falls would remain at 2%, but the earned incomes of residents would be taxed an additional 1/2%. For every $10,000 annual salary residents would pay an additional $50. Issue 10 will generate approximately $4.1 million annually for five years beginning in 2007. If passed the increase would take effect January 01, 2007.

School taxes already in place.

* In 2005 residents passed a 5.13 mill renewal levy which will generate approximately $4.6 million per year for five years.

* In 2003 a 7.7 mill renewal levy passed which will generate approximately $7.4 million per year until 2007.

* There is also a 5.4 mill permanent levy which collects $5.21 million per year and does not expire.

* In 1976 residents passed a continuing 11.41 mill levy that will generate approximately $11.54 annually and does not expire.

* In 1977 a continuing 3.18 mill levy was passed which will generate approximately $3.21 million annually.

* In 1983 residents passed a .87 mill bond which is slated to expire at years end, but the district changed the levy into a permanent improvement fund earlier this year so the bond will continue to generate money indefinitely.

* In 1995 residents passed a .53 bond for the Stow-Munroe Falls Library. This levy will generate $453,842 this year and is slated to expire in 2007.

If property values fluctuate these rates could change next year.

Questions or comments: write or email eugene.dougherty@realliving.com

Buying a Home, Know Your Mortgages

Buying a home, here are some mortgages the average home buyer should be aware of and avoid.

*Multiple Choice Mortgage- the pay-option adjustable rate mortgage (ARM)
This mortgage offers a low initial interest rate with the choice of four monthly payment options. Borrowers can make a payment on the interest and the principal on a fully amortized loan, or make a payment that doesn't cover all of the interest due on the mortgage. Many average home buyers are attracted to these mortgages because of the lower payment option, but could soon find they owe more than they originally borrowed. This mortgage should be avoided because the home buyer could end up owing more than they borrowed.

*Cash-Out Financing- 103's, 107's and 125's
With this mortgage homeowners take a mortgage for more money than their home is worth. There is also an option of borrowing an extra 3%, 7% or 25% of the properties value which could be used for closing costs, renovations or to payoff credit card debt. The home must appreciate enough to cover the amount of the loan, if not the homeowner will have to come up with extra cash to pay off the mortgage. The interest rate on this mortgage is generally 50% more than normal. This mortgage should be avoided because a home must appreciate in order to build equity.

*Adjustable-Rate Mortgages- 1yr and 3yr fixed rate ARM'S
The borrower locks into a lower than average interest rate for the first 1-3 years. This mortgage readjusts every year in tandem with short-term interest rates which are highly volatile. Since 2004 the 1yr ARM has increased two percentage points from 4% to 6%. The home buyer would be better off to lock into an interest rate on a 30yr fixed-rate mortgage so they won't have to worry about fluctuations in the short term interest rates. This mortgage should be avoided since the monthly payments are variable in just 1 to 3 years.

*Interest Only Payments- 3yr, 5yr, 7yr and 10yr interest only option on an ARM, aka interest only mortgages.
Borrowers only pay the interest on the loan for the first 3, 5, 7 or 10yrs of the loan with no money being applied to the principal. When the interest only period expires, the monthly payments balloon to cover the remaining interest and all of the principal payments on the mortgage. The borrower could then be forced into spending more money to refinance or end up having to sell their house. This mortgage should be avoided because monthly payments could quickly balloon.

*Fixed Rate Loans- 40yr and 50yr fixed-rate mortgages.
This mortgage amortizes over 40 or 50 years. This mortgage entices borrowers because the monthly payment is lowered, which is true. However, the savings are not that significant. An individual with a $300,000 mortgage would reduce the monthly payment approximately $80 with a 40yr mortgage vs a 30yr one. The borrower will end up paying more interest on the loan, the interest rate is generally 1/4 % more than a 30yr mortgage. This mortgage should be avoided because it builds equity slowly.

Questions or comments: write or email eugene.dougherty@realliving.com

Ohio Senate Races

Its election time, here are the top Ohio Senate races to watch.

13th Senate District which is Lorain, Huron and a portion of Seneca County. The candidates are Susan Morano (D) from Lorain and Martha Wise (R) from Avon.

27th Senate District which is portions of Summit county, parts of suburban and the city of Akron. The candidates are State Senator Kevin Coughlin (R) from Cuyahoga Falls and Judy Hanna (D) from Akron.

3rd Senate District which is portions of Franklin county and portions of suburban and portions of Columbus. The candidates are State Senator David Goodman (R) from Columbus and Emily Kreider (D) from Columbus.

5th Senate District which includes Miami and portions of Darke and Montgomery counties. The candidates are State Senator Tom Roberts (D) from Dayton and Donald K. McClaurin (R) also from Dayton.

29th Senate District which includes portions of Stark county. The candidates are State Senator
J. Kirk Schuring (R) from Canton and Thomas E. West (D) also from Canton.

Approximately half of the 33 districts of the Ohio senate are up for election.

Source: Stow Sentry, 10-04-2006

Questions or comments: write or email eugene.dougherty@realliving.com

Selling a home in Stow or Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio

Selling your home in Stow or Cuyahoga Falls, here are some statistics you should be aware of.

In Cuyahoga Falls for the month of July, 2006, there were 273 homes for sale, 50 sold and they were on the market for 67 days.

In Stow for the month of July, 2006, there were 153 homes for sale, 39 sold and they were on the market for 66 days. Is your realtor giving you the market facts? New market statistics coming soon.

Questions or comments: write or email eugene.dougherty@realliving.com

Eminent Domain

Cuyahoga Falls mayor, Don Robart is preparing to begin eminent domain proceedings on the State Road Shopping center. Robart said the current condition of the shopping plaza is non productive for the area. The mayor would like to see the plaza torn down and rebuilt. The eminent domain proceedings are mean't to force GMS Management, the owners of the plaza, to consider selling the plaza. Eminent domain proceedings would allow a third party to establish a market price for the property. Robart would like to see a combination retail and residential apartments for the plaza. The remaining tenants in the plaza agree a change is needed. The mayor has a meeting scheduled with the leasing agent of the property next week which he views as a positive indication that a resolution could be reached in lieu of eminent domain proceedings.

Source: Akron Beacon Journal 09-26-06

Questions or Comments: write or email eugene.dougherty@realliving.com

Breast Cancer Walk

Come out and get some exercise and raise awareness for a great cause. Sunday, October 15, 2006 there will be a 3.1 mile walk for breast cancer. The walk will be at Akron Aeros Stadium 300 South Main Street Akron, Ohio 44308. If you are unable to attend the walk you may mail a contribution to American Cancer Society 525 North Broad Street Canfield, Ohio 44406 or make a donation online at www.cancer.org/stridesonline, their secure site. Funds raised are used for investment in breast cancer research, provide lifesaving screening tests and treatment, regardless of income, promote mammography for early detection of breast cancer and offer free programs for patients and families.

Marine Fundraiser

A fundraiser for Marine Cpl. Joe Tomci will be held Friday September 29, 2006 5- 10pm at Acker-Moore Memorial Post at 3733 Fishcreek Road Stow, Ohio 44224. Cpl. Tomci, a Stow resident was killed in August by a roadside bomb while serving in Iraq. The fundraiser is to raise money for military families in memory of Cpl. Tomci. The fund was established by Huntington National Bank to help families of military personnel. The fundraiser will include a meal of pasta, meatballs, sausage, salad, Italian bread and desert. The cost for adults is $8 and children $4.

Questions or comments: write or email eugene.dougherty@realliving.com

Home Heating

We are approaching that time of year when the cost of heating our homes will put a dent in our wallets. Residents in Stow who are members of the City's natural gas aggregation program, which is supplied by Vectren, can expect to pay a fixed rate of $11.70/Mcf for all gas consumed during the upcoming winter months starting with bills prepared after November 02, 2006. If you are a resident or business in the city of Stow currently in the aggregate program you need not take any action, you will automatically receive the fixed rate. If you are not enrolled in the aggregate program you can call Vectren Source at 1-866-200-5634 for information and a comparison to your current natural gas provider.

Source: Stow Sentry 09-21-2006

Questions or comments: write or email eugene.dougherty@realliving.com

Housing Construction Falls to Three Year Low

According to the commerce department housing starts fell 6% last month to 1.655 million. The growth in new housing, which fueled the economy for half a decade is now declining. This raises concerns with leading economists that the slowdown will slow the rest of the economy. The Fed is expected to keep the interest rate at 5.25% when they meet on 09-20-2006 (the Fed did keep interest rates at 5.25% at their 09-20-2006 meeting).

New housing starts declined in all regions except for the northeast which was up 5.4%. There was a 12% decline in the midwest, 6.1% decline in the south and and 5.5% decline in the west. In the month of September building permits for new homes fell to 1.722 million from 1.763 million in the previous month. This trend is also causing inventories of unsold homes to rise.

Realtors forecast the median existing home prices will rise 2.8% this year to $225,900 after a rise in 2005 of 10.5%.

Source: Bloomberg 09-19-2006

Questions or comments: write or email eugene.dougherty@realliving.com

Selling a home in Stow or Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio

Selling a home in Stow or the Falls, here is some housing statistics.

Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio: In June 2006, there were 328 houses for sale, 68 sold and the homes were on the market for 61 days.

Stow,Ohio: In June 2006, there were 185 houses for sale, 29 sold and the homes were on the market for 77 days. New stats coming soon.

Questions or comments: write or email eugene.dougherty@realliving.com

Stows Law Rescinded

Residents living in Stow will no longer be billed for police department services as a result of being involved in a traffic infraction. On Thursday 09-14-06 City Council voted to rescind the program aka the cost recovery program. Individuals who were charged will have 60 days from the date the mayor signs legislation to apply for reimbursement. The exact day the mayor will sign the legislation is still unknown. To receive reimbursement citizens will have to send a written application to the mayors office and be prepared to provide proof they were billed and paid the fee, citizens can contact the mayors office for more information.

Source: Stow Sentry 09-17-2006

Questions or comments: write or email eugene.dougherty@realliving.com

Homes for Sale

Economic growth is slowing and one of the reasons is a slowing housing market. This should allow the federal reserve to keep interest rates steady through the first half of 2007. Higher mortgage rates resulted in home sales being down which further resulted in less cash consumers had to spend over the five year housing boom. The housing slow down is also responsible for consumers having less cash from refinancing and home appreciation.

On 09-07-2006, The National Association of Realtors reduced their forecast for 2006 home sales and went on to say there are currently a record number of homes on the market.

On a somewhat positive note as of 09-12-2006 a barrel of crude oil: $63.76, the lowest since 03-22-2006 and as of 09-12-2006 mortgage rates: 15 year- 5.65%, 30 year- 5.94%, 1year ARM- 5.31%.

Source: Bloomberg News

Questions or comments write or email eugene.dougherty@realliving.com

Your Real Estate Agent

Is your real estate agent representing your best interests? Under Ohio law real estate agents are allowed to practice three types of agency, sellers agency, buyers agency and dual agency. A sellers agent represents the seller and only the seller of a home, the sellers agent must follow the sellers lawful instructions, be loyal to the seller, promote the sellers best interest, disclose material facts to the seller, maintain confidential information, act with reasonable skill and care and account for any money they handle in the transaction.

A buyers agent represents the buyer and only the buyer of a home, the buyers agent must follow the buyers lawful instructions, be loyal to the buyer, promote the buyers best interests, disclose material facts to the buyer, maintain confidential information and account for any money they handle in the transaction.

In dual agency, a real estate agent represents the seller and the buyer. The dual agent must maintain a neutral position in the transaction. They may not advocate the position of one client over the best interests of the other client.

Questions or comments write or email eugene.dougherty@realliving.com

Stow's Law

Have a traffic infraction in Stow and expect to be billed for the services of the police department. Under the current system aka the cost-recovery program citizens of Stow are being billed for police department services. The mayor and city council members are meeting this week to discuss discontinuing the program. Billing is being handled by a company by the name of Cost Recovery Corp who was sending the bills to an individuals insurance company. A spokesman for Cost Recovery Corp said they were surprised to learn that the insurance companies were passing the bills along to the individual involved in the infraction. According to city council there are police departments in 13 other states that have the same program. All this poses a question that should be obvious. Isn't this what tax dollars are for?

Source: Stow Sentry Sunday 09-10-06

Questions or comments: write or email eugene.dougherty@realliving.com

Schools in Stow and Cuyahoga Falls

Stow, Ohio:
Buying a home in Stow, Ohio or Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, or if you are a current resident here is some general school information.

Stow- Munroe Falls High School average class size in math, science and English is 25. 45% of students take the SAT scoring 546 in math and 548 in verbal. 58% of students take the ACT scoring 22.7. There are 390 seniors, 95% receive diplomas, 70% attend a four year college and 5% attend junior college.

District Information:
The school district spends $8,360 per student. There are 6,053 students with 252 teachers and staff. The student to teacher ratio is 24. Median years of teaching experience is 13. The lowest grade level is PK, highest is 12.

Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio:
Cuyahoga Falls High School average class size in math, science and English is 25. 25% of students take the SAT scoring 525 in math and 500 in verbal. 60% of students take the ACT scoring 22.6. There are 378 seniors, 95% receive diplomas, 50% attend four year colleges and 10% attend junior college.

District Information:
The school district spends $8,244 per student. There are 4,853 students with 202 teachers and staff. The student to teacher ratio is 24. Median years of teaching experience is 13. The lowest grade level is K, highest is 12.

Source of data eschoolsprofile.com 09-06

Questions or comments write or email eugene.dougherty@realliving.com

Best Buy: Real Estate Loans

Shopping for a real estate loan can prove a challenging task. With so many options available will you get the one that suites you best. Here is some information that can help. Your lender can tell you about the many options available, but here we will look at conventional loans. A conventional loan is a loan that is not insured or guaranteed by a government entity. Conventional loans can be 15- year or 30- year. There are five types of conventional loans.

1) 80% conventional- the loan to value ratio is 80% of the appraised value or sale price of a property, whichever is less. You borrow 80% of the appraised value or sale price of a home, whichever is less and put a 20% down payment on the home. This type of loan is 30 year, fixed rate.

2) 90% conventional- a 10% down payment must be made, with at least 5% from the buyers own cash reserves. The interest rate could be the same or higher than an 80% loan, this depends on the buyer. a 90% conventional loan has private mortgage insurance premium which adds to the cost of the loan.

3) 95% conventional- a 5% down payment must be made from the borrowers own cash reserves. The interest rate could be the same as the other two loans, but again varies on the particular buyer. Private mortgage insurance is involved which adds to the cost of this loan.

4) 100% conventional- good credit is a criteria for this type of loan, there is no down payment, but the borrower must live in the home as an owner-occupant with the home as the primary residence. Interest rates will vary on lenders, there is also a private mortgage insurance premium involved which adds to the cost of the loan.

5) easy qualifier conventional loan- lenders modify the qualifying standards based on the needs of the borrower. A down payment of usually 20% or more is required, again this may vary depending on a borrowers situation. Interest rate is usually determined on factors such as credit score. Private mortgage insurance is not an issue due to the 20% down payment required.

In today's market there are so many loan options available ask your loan officer to explain them all not just the ones they are trying to sell.

Inspection for your new home

For many of us buying a home could possibly be the largest purchase we make. Unless you are a contractor who is familiar with construction a home inspection is a wise investment that will make you aware of the overall condition of your new home. Look for an experienced, independent home inspector to conduct the inspection. The inspector will examine the house and report on the homes structural integrity and ensure the primary systems are in good condition. Feel free to accompany the inspector as they conduct their work. After the inspection is complete you will be given a report stating the condition of the home. Having this information will better enable you to know what to offer for the home and if any conditions exist that need to be addressed. Home warranty insurance programs are available that will protect the new home owner from unexpected mechanical or major system failure, ask your real estate agent about home warranty insurance programs.

Questions or comments: write or email eugene.dougherty@realliving.com

Buying a Home

Home& Garden Text

Buying your first home or perhaps just trading up to a new home? Two things you will need to do, get a home inspection on your new home prior to purchase and get an appraisal. Do you know the difference? A home inspection is for a buyer. A home inspection gives the buyer more detailed information about the overall condition of a home prior to making a purchase. A qualified home inspector takes an in-depth, unbiased look at your potential new home to evaluate the physical condition, structure, construction and mechanical systems, indentify items that need to be repaired or replaced and provide an estimate of the remaining useful life of the major systems equipment, structure and finishes.

An appraisal is for a lender. An appraisal is required to estimate the market value of a house, ensure the house meets minimum Federal Housing Authority (FHA) property standards and requirements and make sure the house is marketable. Make sure your real estate agent is recommending that home inspections and appraisals are performed.

Questions or comments: write or email eugene.dougherty@realliving.com