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.

FINDING A PLACE TO CALL HOME

by Debi Bentlage
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Buying a first home, or deciding to move up, is an important decision and because you want to make the right decision, you want to ask the right questions.

Two questions to consider before you begin the process of finding a home are:

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“How much home can you afford?” and "How do you find the right home?”

The real answer to the affordability question is how much home a lender calculates you can afford—and the bottom line is the monthly payment. A general guideline is that a monthly payment shouldn’t be higher than 28 percent of your gross monthly income, or total monthly expenses should not exceed 36 percent, but you must also feel comfortable with that payment.

Lenders use a variety of formulas for arriving at the total monthly housing costs and how they qualify an individual for a home mortgage. These costs generally include mortgage principal and interest payment, property taxes, and hazard insurance, and if required, mortgage insurance.

Also keep in mind the First Time Home Buyer’s tax credit of $8000. This incentive expires on Dec. 1, 2009.

As a buyer, you can help make the process of finding a home go more smoothly if you spend some time defining the general style of home you prefer, and any particular needs you may have for that home to fit your lifestyle. You need to establish your priorities on such elements as the kind of kitchen you want, or if you want an open floor plan, formal dining room, basement or garage. The kind and extent of yard is also something to consider, as is the neighborhood, and whether you are willing to negotiate on any of your style preferences.

A Realtor can help in answering ALL of your questions, and guide you through one of the most important decisions of your life.

Let’s get started on making your dreams a reality!

For information on real estate in the Port Clinton, Catawba, Marblehead, Oak Harbor and surrounding areas, call Debi Bentlage, Jack Bradley Realty Co. 1-419-276-7755 or 419-734-5551.

KEEPING YOUR DOG SAFE IN THE HEAT

By Deanna Johnson

When the mercury rises, it’s time to pay special attention to your pet’s health and safety.

You probably treat your dog like any other family member. So making sure he is comfortable and safe at all times — especially during the hottest months — is probably a top concern. Here are a few tips to keep your four-legged friend happy and healthy.

Never leave your dog or any animal in the car when the weather is hot —warm. The interior temperature of your car can easily soar to 120 degrees in just minutes. Even if you leave the windows cracked, the temperature in the car can sour to a dangerous level.

Don’t let your dog ride in the bed of a pick- up truck. Serious eye injuries can occur from a flying debris, or your dog could even fall out

Keep your dog away from fertilizers, plant foods and insecticides. They can be fatal if your pet ingests them. Don’t let your pet walk or play on a recently treated lawn.

Make sure your pet always wears an ID tag. Even if your dog has an embedded identification chip, make sure he has a tag so that identification can be made quickly. It’s also a good idea to keep a current picture of your pet with you. That way, if he disappears or wanders off you have a photo on hand to show people.

Give your dog prescription heartworm medicine. It is also a good practice to use flea and tick medications that have been prescribed by your dog’s veterinarian.

Make sure your pet has plenty of water and shade when playing outside. You will also want to make sure your dog isn’t walking on hot asphalt because it can burn his paw pads.

If you care for your pet as I do mine, always be more attentive to its needs during very warm or cold periods.

Deanna Johnson, Jack Bradley Realty Co. 419-341-1766 - Call for information on real estate in the Catawba, Port Clinton, Marblehead areas.

CAN A VACATION HOME WORK FOR YOU?

By Ruth Douglas

Have you ever spent a week at a friend’s vacation home and returned wishing you owned your own little place to escape from the everyday world? You might be surprised to learn that a second home may not he as far-off as it seems.

Millions of people own vacation homes, and one way some of them offset the cost of a second home is to let people rent it during peak seasons. Buying in a high-demand location such as a popular beach or ski resort increases the likelihood of being able to find renters season after season.

It you choose to do this with your vacation home, you can use the money collected from rent to cover maintenance expenses and the monthly mortgage. It can even save you money at tax time if’ you use your vacation home less than two weeks per year. If that’s the case, the home may classify as a rental property, and you may be able to deduct certain expenses.

However; if you use it more often, it will classify, as a dwelling. In that case, you may still be able to deduct some mortgage interest.

There are many tax rules and guidelines when it comes to owning a vacation home that is also used as a rental property, and it may seem confusing at first. It is worth taking the time to learn a hout, however, if you are serious about buying — and renting out — a vacation home.

To clarify everything, meet with your tax or financial professional for an explanation and for help deciding which situation will benefit you most. Furthermore, if you are thinking about purchasing a vacation home, please call me.

As your real estate sales professional, I am here to help you find a place that will provide you and your family with many years of enjoyment and relaxation, as well as additional income if you decide to rent it out. We service the Port Clinton, Catawba, Marblehead and Islands area. Give me a call Ruth Douglas 419-202-0029

FROM PUT-IN-BAY TO PUERTO VALLARTA

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By Leonard Partin.

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Before you book your next vacation, visit Viscape.com for an easy way to find the perfect vacation property to rent or buy.

On Thursday, June 19, a mix of young entrepreneurs, professionals and travelers packed The City Tavern Club in the heart of Georgetown to celebrate the unofficial launch of a Web 2.0 social market place for vacation properties, vacation destinations and second homes created by young Arlington entrepreneurs Caroline Allison and Dan Engfer. Kicking music, great drinks and crazy contests helped turn the event into the hottest party of the summer.

The pair, who previously ran a highly successful residential real estate investment company together, came up with the idea for Viscape.com to simplify the process of finding a vacation home, and to fill a void in the private vacation rental market. “Our long-term goal is to maximize people’s vacation experiences, but the immediate goal is to provide an easy way to find the perfect vacation property,” Caroline said.

Caroline’s extensive background in real estate and business strategy-and the vision to marry the two-was instrumental for thinking up Viscape.com. Caroline spent several years in finance, working for Lehman Brothers New York and Hong Kong, and in Washington DC, helping technology start-ups get off the ground, before founding a residential real estate investment company together with Dan.

Viscape. com makes it possible for travelers to find their perfect vacation rental property, home or destination in five minutes or less. Travelers research destinations and compare hundreds of properties, including privately owned properties, based on criteria such as price, location and amenities. Revolutionary mapping technology pinpoints the exact location on the map, and the site’s Web 2.0 capability lets travelers connect with property owners and other travelers.

For realtors and property owners, Viscape.com provides an incredible opportunity to expose their properties-free of charge-to a global audience. Listing a property only takes a few minutes, and in addition to a description, realtors and property owners can add pictures and videos to showcase their properties.

Viscape focus will be on amassing content and building a community of travelers.

Viscape.com is a Web 2.0 social market place for vacation properties and second homes, where you can take care of your travel logistics in a snap while connecting with kindred travel spirits! Use Viscape to list your property for sale, rent or swap, and to plan a trip together with your family and friends. Find your perfect vacation home or destination in less than five minutes.

For more information on real estate in the Port Clinton, Catawba, Marblehead, Lakeside areas, including the islands, call Jack Bradley Realty Co. 419-734-5551 or click here for our web site .

MAINTENANCE FREE VACATION LIVING

By Ruthie Caputo
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Summer time is quickly approaching and everyone needs to take a break. Sometimes we just need a well deserved break from the every day hustle bustle of our lives. Money may be tight right now but family and vacations are important and good for the soul too. Maybe this is the time to purchase a small condominium that you can use and/ or rent at the same time. The timing is right to invest in this type of property because the inventory is larger than usual and the prices are lower than at any time in the past years. It would be nice to jump in the car and bring your family for a little R&R right here in Port Clinton, Ohio.

While you are here you can just relax by the pool and read a great book or go out on your boat and enjoy the peaceful waters of Lake Erie. If you don’t have a boat, no problem! There are many fishing charter boats close by at Drawbridge Marina. They have a full service Marina, a fully stocked store with many clothing opportunites with Nautical appeal, rental fishing poles, mechanics on duty daily, 6-pack charter boats or large head boats. There is something for everyone.

Hungry?? Many restaurants, beach bars, coffee shops close enough to stretch your legs and walk to. Mr. Ed’s Bar and Grill, Docks Beach House or Phil’s Inn, Kokoma Bay, McCarthy’s, just to mention a few. Of course we have all the popular fast food chains too.

If condo living is not your cup of tea to own, then we have lots of them to rent through Lake Erie Vacation Rentals LEVR, or hotel/motels like Commodore Perry Inn, Lakeland Motel, Our Guest Inn and others near by.

Port Clinton also offers many events in the summer months for you to enjoy. There is usually an event going on most weekends in the summer time. If you can’t find something in Port Clinton to do then Catawba Island is just minutes away.

Come and make Vacationland a regular part of your life. It does not cost an arm and a leg to get here and the memories will last for a life time. Whatever you choose, whether it is a weekend, week or a day…..Port Clinton welcomes YOU!

We are more than happy to assist you with any Real Estate needs or questions about the area. Call Ruthie Caputo at 419-356-3947 or John Caputo at 419-345-9135