EARTHLY ADVICE

BY DEBBIE CONTE

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Recycling is one way of reducing the amount of trash that clutters our planet, but an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Watch your waste more carefully with this advice:
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Buy products that last. Opt for a metal or electric razor instead of a disposable one. Choose a glass cup or metal baking pan instead of their Styrofoam or aluminum counterparts. Use items made of recycled products. Paper towels, writing paper, plastic garbage bags and tissues are examples of products that often come in the recycled variety. Look for the recycled symbol to buy environmentally friendly products.

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Donate. Before you toss out old clothing, consider how many people could benefits from them. Instead, donate the clothing that is in good shape, and use the damaged items as household rags. Donate used furniture and appliances as well.
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Support the cause. Buy products that can easily be recycled or that come in containers with less packaging. Many soap and detergent companies sell refill packs that you can pour into your existing dispenser without having to re-purchase the bulkier packaging.

Debbie Conte - Jack Bradley Realty Co. 419-656-3356 - Call for information on real estate in the Catawba, Port Clinton, Marblehead and Fremont areas.

ENHANCE YOUR CURB APPEAL

By: Jeff Williams

Make a lasting first impression about your home with a healthy lawn and beautiful garden! When your home is on the market, landscaping (or the lack of it) can have a powerful impact on how prospective buyers view the “total package” of your home. Merchandising your lawn and garden enhances your home’s curb appeal — and can increase its value and improve its marketability.

Scraggly shrubs and bushes and bare patches of grass detract from your home no matter how nicely decorated the interior. Simple, inexpensive planting projects are often all it takes to perk up a landscape.

If you feel your lawn is not well-landscaped, hire a professional landscape designer to prepare a customized plan that you can easily implement before putting your home on the market. Or you might think about offering the buyer a gift certificate for professional landscaping.

Flowers for impact - Colorful flowers in your front yard also enhance your home’s curb appeal. If you’re short on garden space, brighten your exterior with pots of blooming plants or flowering annuals near your front entrance or along your drive, walkway or deck. In addition, a window box full of flowers is an inexpensive way to add an accent of color to your home’s exterior.

Mow your lawn - A healthy lawn is an asset — for more lushness be sure to water, mow and fertilize it regularly. Remove dandelions and other weeds that are visible and mow whenever your grass demands it. A good rule of thumb is to never cut off more than one-third of the blade at one time. For example, if the recommended height of cut is 2 inches, mow when your grass is 3 inches high. If the height of cut is 1 inch, mow when your grass is just under 2 inches. Keep crisp edging lines between your lawn, drive and walkways, and be sure to pull grass from between the cracks.

Foliage adds color - Trees, shrubs or hedges add a finishing touch to your landscape with color and detail. Plants come in several shades of green - add impact by combining different types. Keeping the foliage trimmed and pruned will also contribute to the overall well-maintained look of your home.

Take a picture - And, as the saying goes: A picture is worth a thousand words. If your home is surrounded by flowering or fruit-bearing trees, low-maintenance landscapes, and herbal or flower gardens, be sure to take pictures when everything is in full bloom. Photographs are proof of the breathtaking view of your lawn and garden and tell prospective buyers the full year-round story of your home no matter the season.

An investment that pays - Lawn and garden enhancements are worth the money because a well-kept exterior invites inspection of the interior. However, when merchandising your lawn and garden, be careful not to over-invest ... and be sure to follow the trends in your neighborhood.

Merchandising Tip

• Put flowers or blooming green plants in pots near your front entry


• Plant flowering annuals in your front yard to Enhance your home’s curb appeal


• Mow, fertilize, water, rake and weed your lawn regularly


• Edge between your lawn, drive and walkways


• Remove dead leaves, limbs and other debris from lawn


• Trim trees and hedges


• Prune evergreens and shrubs


• Put fresh bark or crushed stone around trees, shrubs or hedges


• Put away lawn equipment and gardening tools


• If you are an absentee seller, make arrangements for lawn care and snow removal

For more information on properties for sale in the Port Clinton, Catawba, Marblehead, Oak harbor areas, please call Jeff Williams 419-350-2925.

AUCTIONS CREATE ACTION

BY: Leonard A. Partin

..... Broker Auctioneer

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Auctions have been successfully used to sell nearly every commodity or item for many centuries. The use of selling real estate at auction has made major gains in popularity. Auctions have benefits for both the sellers and the buyers. Sellers set the selling date, establish the terms, and saves valuable time. Buyers enjoys a higher comfort level mainly because all other buyers have the same terms, and the bidding process is open with no hidden agendas.

The following information will help you better understand participating in auctions.

There are three types of auction sales: Absolute Bid Sale, Minimum Bid Sale, and Reserve or Confirmation Bid Sale.

Absolute bid sale means the property will be sold to the highest and final bidder regardless of the price, provided the bidding is opened.

Minimum bid sale means the property will be sold to the highest and final bidder at or above the predetermined and published price.

Reserve or Confirmation bid sale means the property may be sold to the highest and final bidder at or above an unpublished price. As a reserve or confirmation sale, the seller has the right to accept, or reject the last and final bid.

All prospective buyers must register in order to bid. All bidders are required to provide full name, address and telephone numbers, or other information pertinent to the purchase.

Upon agreeing to participate and possibly bidding, all prospective buyers must sign a registration form and are usually given a bidder number. Registered bidders are responsible for any purchases made with the bidder card and its bid number.

“Bidder Registration Packets” are furnished to prospective buyers at registration. Registration packets contain auction conditions or guidelines, property information, sample of purchase agreement, and disclosure forms.

Conditions and/or guidelines for an auction will be posted or published and given to all prospective buyers at registration. Conditions and/or Guidelines cover issues such as registration, bidder number, type of sale, bids, disputes, buyer premium, payments, and etc.

All registered bidders agree they have read the conditions an/or guidelines and furthermore agree to abide by them.

Auctions generally begin with the auctioneers introduction and opening remarks. As part of the opening remarks the auctioneer may review the conditions and terms for the sale. The auctioneer will also announce any additional terms or conditions not previously published. The bidding starts immediately after the auctioneers introduction and opening remarks.

The auctioneer will ask, through an outcry or chant, for a bid from the registered bidders. Once there is an opening bid the auctioneer will repeat the bid and ask for a higher bid. The bidding will continue until the bidders are done bidding and the auctioneer closes the bidding. The auctioneer will close the bidding with the word “Closed” or “Sold.”

The auctioneer reserves the right to accept bids in increments he feels are in the best interest of his client, the seller. If bidding dispute arises between Bidders, the Auctioneer may take action to resolve the dispute or immediately put the item(s) up for sale again, and resell the item(s). The decision of the Auctioneer shall be final and absolute.

The auctioneer also reserves the right to withdraw from sale any of the items listed to sell at his auction, and also reserves the right to group one or more items in a bulk sale.

“Phone In Bids” Telephone bids can be made and accepted provided prior arrangements are made with the auctioneer.

“Confidential Opening Bids” Confidential opening bid forms may be made available at registration. Confidential opening bids allow bidders to start the bidding with out disclosing themselves as competition. The auctioneer will open the bidding with the confidential bids.

The auctioneer with notice may reserve the right to bid on behalf of a buyer, seller, himself or the brokerage.

The buyer premium is a fee due in addition to the bid, the amount is established and published prior to the auction. The buyer premium is a percentage of the final bid and will be added to the final bid to total for the purchase or contract price.

It should be clearly understood that the buyer premium in no way implies or establishes an agency relationship between the buyer and the auctioneer. The auctioneer is the seller's agent.

If a real estate sale, the winning or final bidder will be required to execute a Purchase Agreement. A sample purchase agreement usually is furnished to registered bidders prior to the auction sale.

The required earnest money deposit and terms for payment differ from sale to sale. Earnest deposit may become a nonrefundable down payment upon seller's acceptance. Complete terms and payment for deposit are published and disclosed prior to the sale.

Financing is generally not a contingency in an auction purchase, therefore it is recommended the financing be arranged at a lender of choice prior to the action sale.

The settlement or closing will be scheduled per the terms published for the sale, usually thirty to forty days from acceptance date on the purchase agreement. The settlement is coordinated by the seller or the seller's assigns. Settlement is generally done by a title company per the terms of the purchase agreement and the customs of the area where the property is located.

Prospective buyers are advised that property inspections are made available by appointment and prior to auction date. Most properties are open for inspection at least one hour prior to the scheduled auction time on the day of the auction.

Prospective buyers may elect to have the property inspected by professional inspectors. Any property inspections must be made prior to the auction and not made as a contingency of the purchase agreement.

Prospective buyers assume responsibility to perform their own due diligence and analysis of the property.

In Ohio sellers of real estate have the responsibility of disclosing known defects. Disclosure of known defects will be through published material, opening statement, purchase agreement or property disclosure forms. Property disclosure forms, completed by the seller, normally is provided to registered bidders.

In Ohio real estate auctioneers must be a licensed real estate sales person or broker and a licensed auctioneer. The Ohio Department of Commerce and Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing issue and monitor the licenses of real estate auctioneers.

For more information on auctions and/or real estate in the Port Clinton, Oak Harbor, Catawba, Marblehead, Lakeside, Lake Erie Islands, Fremont and surrounding areas, call Len Partin, Jack Bradley Realty Co. 419-356-8777 or click here for our web site .

SCENTSATIONAL HERBS

By Terri Weickert

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Add spice to your garden’s scenery. With a myriad of colors and textures, herbs are always good ornamental company for flowers and vegetables.

Among the most care-free plants, herbs just need a little attention to keep them growing vigorously and looking their best.

Give herbs a soil customized to their needs. Condition the soil with compost and manure before planting to give a solid foundation. A nonacidic soil rich in lime grows the best herbs. You can add lime or crushed shells as well as wood ash or small doses of bonemeal to boost alkalinity. For thin or poorly drained soils, use raised beds.

Herbs for shady northern exposures with moist soil and strong indirect light include cilantro, dill, fennel, mint and parsley. Shrubby aromatic perennial herbs like sage. marjoram, oregano, rosemary, winter savory and thyme demand sunlight. Basil, chives, horseradish, tarragon, sorrel and lovage need only a few hours of sun.

Decorative herbs mingle well in the moderately rich soil of a flower garden. Plant purple leaf basil, sages, chives, tarragon, lemon balm and mints to fill in the foreground. Invite tall, statuesque fennel and lovage to dance in the breeze alongside delphiniums, peonies, poppies and roses.

Herbs such as cilantro and sweet marjoram rely on rich, organic soil and plenty of moisture conditions compatible with vegetable gardening. The right herb paired with vegetables can ward off pests or provide soil nutrients. Perfect partners include basil and tomatoes; summer savory and beans; garlic, leeks or onions and dill.

Terri Weickert, Jack Bradley Realty Co. 419-307-4898. Call for information on real estate in the Fremont, Clyde, Gibsonburg, Oak Harbor, and Port Clinton areas.

First Four Months Free Rent Offered at Otterbein North Shore

Presented by: GLENDA WARD
.....................419-341-0044

A Continuing Care Retirement Community

There are numerous signs the economic crisis challenging the United States is nearing an end. The National Association of Home Builders announced this week “the worst is over”, and “existing home sales have been steadily increasing”. Regardless, home sales rates are still below the acceptable range and, as a result, the U. S. government has recently introduced a series of stimulus programs to promote sales and get us to spring when forecasts suggest even better home sales news.

In conjunction with the government’s actions, the Otterbein Retirement Community in North Shore is rolling out an innovative stimulus package of its own. For a limited time, qualified individuals may take advantage of an incentive opportunity – first four months rent free, with a 12-month rental agreement. Act now this program expires April 2, 2010.

Maintenance of a home, health concerns and family issues indicate for many that now is the time to downsize or simplify. Some might be hesitant to list their home for sale; Some could anticipate difficulties in selling their home. The moving process can produce additional concerns. Otterbein’s stimulus plan and expert marketing team can help reduce those stresses.

Otterbein, a 97-year-old non-profit organization, maintains a long-standing history and remains financially stable. Otterbein is rated A-, investment grade, and is the 33rd largest senior living provider in the United States. There are approximately 4,640 not-for-profit providers of services to older adults in the U.S. Less than 1 percent are rated A- or higher by Standard and Poors or Fitch.

Further, as many service organizations retrench, Otterbein has continued to invest in upgraded facilities, new communities, and improvements in both the community environments and in the range of services provided.

People have the interest and desire to live here, and now is the time – regardless of the economy – and the new incentives make it possible for folks to act sooner than later.

A continuing care retirement community, Otterbein North Shore has additional resources to help people age in place. Whether it is short-term rehabilitation from surgery, a hospital stay or acute incident or more long-term care solutions, Otterbein has the right plans and programs to meet your needs. In addition to independent living homes, personal home care services and assisted living are available at Otterbein North Shore.

Call Deb Pinkerton, Marketing Director, today at 419-798-8203 ext. 104 for more information!

About Otterbein Retirement Living Communities
Founded in 1912, Otterbein Retirement Living Communities is a health and human service ministry, serving close to 1,700 people, and is related to the East Ohio and West Ohio Conferences of The United Methodist Church. Otterbein’s five retirement communities in western and northern Ohio are located in Lebanon, St. Marys, Cridersville, Pemberville and on the Marblehead Peninsula on Lake Erie. Otterbein is leading the nation in changing the face of nursing care by taking the bold step of moving elders to homes in the community at large. Small house neighborhoods are located in Perrysburg and Monclova in northern Ohio and Clearcreek Township and Middletown in southern Ohio. Avalon in Hamilton Township is under construction.

Additional information regarding Otterbein Retirement Living Communities and Avalon by Otterbein is available on its Web site at http://www.otterbein.org/ or by calling 1-888-513-9131.

OTTERBEIN NORTH SHORE
RETIREMENT LIVING COMMUNITY
9400 North Shore Boulevard, Lakeside-Marblehead, Ohio 43440

Date: February 18, 2010
Release Date: Immediately
Subject: Otterbein North Shore Incentive Program
For more information call: Deb Pinkerton, Marketing Director, 419-798-8203 ext. 104

PLAN AHEAD TO MAKE YOUR HOME A BUYER’S DREAM

By Jennifer Behnke

Selling your home can be a stressful experience, but if you plan ahead, you can set the stage and make your home a buyer’s dream. Here are some tips for doing so:

Most people buy a new home because they’ve outgrown their existing one, and it is your job to show them that your home has all the space they’ll need. To make your home look as spacious as possible, eliminate excess furniture. Also clean out storage areas, including closets, drawers and the garage. Take every opportunity to create a wide-open look.

If you start now your home should be free of clutter by the time you put it on the market.

After all the spaces are clear, neutralize each room with a fresh coat of light-colored paint such as tan or beige. Neutral colors tend to appeal to a wider range of prospective buyers. It is also important to get all of your home’s mechanical systems serviced and in proper working order. This includes the air-conditioning, plumbing and electrical system.

Finally, have your home inspected by a professional before you put it on the market. This will alert you of any potential problems that may arise during a buyer’s inspection.

If you have any questions, call me - Jennifer Behnke, Jack Bradley Realty Co. 419-898-0285. As your real estate representative, I am here to help you with all your buying and selling needs in Port Clinton, Oak Harbor, Fremont, Clyde, Gibsonburg, Helena and surrounding areas.

NARROWING YOUR HOME SEARCH

By Patti Kirsch

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If you are torn between buying a home in a charming older neighborhood or a spacious home in a new subdivision you may need help in making your choice. To decide between an old versus new neighborhood, first think about the style of house you prefer and then think about your day-to-day lifestyle. Do you appreciate hand-beveled hardwood floors or is stain-resistant carpet more your style? You will also want to consider the following:

• Cost - Older homes can have unique charm, but you may have to budget for higher maintenance costs, while newer homes are often more energy-efficient.

• Style - While older homes may be roomier, newer homes often have a more open layout, more bathrooms and convenient features such as central air,

• Location - Older homes are often in neighborhoods with shaded sidewalks, varied home styles, and lower taxes. Newer homes offer suburban benefits, but may have longer commutes.

Whether looking for an older or newer property, call me for more information - Patti Kirsch, Jack Bradley Realty Co. 419-656-1781 or 419-734-5551. As your real estate professional, I will be happy to assist you with all of your real estate needs, in the Port Clinton, Catawba, Marblehead, Oak Harbor, Fremont and surrounding areas.