ôBuying and bailingö refers to the act of buying a second property and allowing a first home to fall into foreclosure. Homeowners who purchase second properties in this scenario are typically ôupside downö on their primary residence, meaning they owe more on their first home than it is worth in the current market. It's likely that they had an adjustable rate mortgage and their monthly mortgage payment grew to a payment they could no longer afford. For some, an easy solution appears to be buying a second property at a depressed price with a fixed rate mortgage in order to lower their monthly mortgage payments. At the same time, they let their first home fall into foreclosure û hence the term buying and bailing. You may wonder why a lender would loan someone money for a second property wh... 01/01/2012

"On November 1, 2011, the Ohio Association of Realtors (OAR) announced that Re/Max Preferred Associates, located in Toledo, OH and surrounding areas, was recognized for having a high percentage of agents in the top tiers. The agents had achieved a high level of accomplishment that only 5% of Ohio's real estate agents have attained in this year's Presidents Club Award." In addition, "19% of Re/Max Preferred Associates placed in achieving awards from the Toledo Board of Realtors." Congratulations to all the Re/Max Preferred Associates who helped make this possible.    01/01/2012

Steps in Home Buying Process: Pre-Approval for Home Loan Pre-approval is one of the most important steps in the home buying process. You should apply for a loan and receive approval from a lender before searching for a home. Here are some reasons why being approved at the beginning of the home buying process is so important: 1. Pre-approval for a home loan will determine your price range. Based on your down payment and that pre-approved mortgage amount, you'll know what you can afford before you start looking. This saves you time and allows you to focus on houses that you can actually purchase. 2. Pre-approval strengthens your offer and negotiating position. Home sellers tend to accept an offer from a buyer who is pre-approved for a home loan over someone whose financial picture is sti... 12/22/2011

By John Mangas, RE/MAX Preferred Broker/Co-Owner Toledo, Ohio   The Holidays are here!   Amid the news stories of foreclosures, government shut down, unemployment numbers, consumer spending trends, political debates etc. there was a news story that caught my attention. A small story that is huge.   It involves a man in Michigan who has gone to K-Mart and paid off the delinquent lay-a-way balances. Those families who were unable to pay off the balance due could now pick up their gifts and enjoy Christmas thanks to the generosity of this individual. The donor was anonymous which adds another layer of meaning to the story.   Across the country there are countless people helping those in need in ways most will never know. At RE/MAX Preferred we have sponsored a Christmas family that needed ... 12/19/2011

On a cold January morning in 2007, at a Washington DC Metro Station, one of the greatest musicians in the world played six Bach pieces on a violin worth $3.5 million dollars for about an hour. One of the pieces he played is one of the most intricate pieces of music ever written.While he played, approximately 2,000 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After about 3 minutes, a middle-aged man noticed that there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds, and then he hurried on to meet his schedule. About 4 minutes later, the violinist received his first dollar. A woman threw money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk. At 6 minutes, a young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and... 12/09/2011

Don't miss out on the Lights Before Christmas at the Toledo Zoo.  It is an amazing display of lights and each year there is something new and more amazing to look at.  Fun for all, young to old, and ease of moving from one place to another.  Here's some information you might want to know when planning to see the Lights Before Christmas! Lights Before Christmas Standard Admission Rates:Adults (ages 12-59): $11Seniors (ages 60 and up): $8Children (ages 2-11): $8Children under 2: FreeSave $1.00 per ticket by purchasing online tickets.  Save $1 per ticket by purchasing onlinePurchase your Lights Before Christmas tickets online and save $1 per ticket!   Festive Fun for All AgesWhether it's a model train display with the Swanton Area Railroad and Model Club in our Museum of Science, Santa vis... 12/02/2011

   THE LIGHTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS AT THE TOLEDO ZOO IN TOLEDO, OHIO--WHAT A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE!  To quote the article on the internet:  Summed Up with "Yum"From handmade fudge, funnel cakes and fresh popcorn to cinnamon-glazed nuts, cinnamon pretzels and of course those holiday cookies, we'll add a sweet touch to your evening. We've got hot chocolate, cappuccino, latte and more to wash it down, too, along with more substantial meals in Carnivore Cafe near Cheetah Valley and at Karoo Snacks in our Africa! exhibit.                                                  12/02/2011

Let us give thanks for the things we have and the friends and family that surround our lives.                                                       Let us give hope for those who do not have what they need and pray for better times for all.  May many balloons of hope reach out to you today. 11/24/2011

Thinking about making an offer on a house without a real estate agent? Nervous about negotiating the best house price in this crazy economy? I don't blame you. When it comes to buying a home, negotiation can mean the difference between a few thousand dollars and tens of thousands of dollars. It's stressful and scary, especially if you're doing it without an experienced real estate agent. Negotiating a home selling contract in this current real estate market is also financially tricky. This is where an experienced agent who has sold in times of real estate booms and past real estate slumps can save you more than the commission you pay them.                                            For those brave enough to consider making an offer without a buyer's agent, here are a few tips on negotia... 11/14/2011

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is making available $73 million dollars to 500 national, regional and local organizaations.  This money is to help counsel and train home buyers so that they will be better prepared to not have to foreclose on their homes. The HUD foreclosure grant money will be distributed to community-based grassroots organizations that provide advice and guidance to low- and moderate-income families seeking to improve their housing conditions.  How long will this program be available?  The HUD foreclosure grants provide monies for a variety of programs--each with its own expiration date. Where can you find the HUD foreclosure grants?  A list of the HUD foreclosure grants and the agencies that have received them, organized by state, can be found at ... 11/07/2011

Recently, I came across an article by Zig Ziglar that I thought I would like to share with you.  As real estate agents we have a responsibility for our own personal development.  Most of the time we stay on tract but every so often we need to reinvent ourselves and remind us what should be our daily practices. Read over this list and see if you answer "A;ways/Yes", "Often," "Sometimes," or "Never/No."   Highlight the activities you need to remind yourself to improve on and congratulate yourself on the ones you follow regularly. I make choices recognizing how they shape my future. I work toward using my full potential. I am willing to change. I act with honesty and integrity. I believe I have the necessary qualities for success within me. I manage my attitude. I associate with positive p... 10/14/2011

We all wonder how the real estate market is doing (maybe not all of us) and hoping to see an improvement in the coming months. The data on this page is consolidated from multiple sources and includes current listings, recent sales, and more located on my web site http://homesforsalelucascounty.com  Whether you're a buyer or seller, the knowledge you gain will help put you in control of your real estate transactions. Call (419-481-3117) or email linda@lindasabo.com anytime to discuss how this information can benefit you! Review the inventory and health of the market by looking at the number of sold and listed properties. To understand if the market inventory is growing or shrinking, compare the number of sold properties to new listings. If inventory is growing, the market could be trendi... 10/03/2011

In looking around for things to do this weekend, I came across a wonderful place to explore, The 577 Foundation (http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.577foundation.org%2F&h=YAQDxo0bBAQDic1r058N-Ns9vKENj44dAv9Z0q7AaP4bakA) Maybe I can get out there this weekend. Weather is supposed to be brisk but nice. I believe Planned Pethood is having a booksale there from 9am-5pm, Saturday and Sunday. The 577 Foundation Staff www.577foundation.org 09/15/2011

Good Morning Toledo|August 20 2011|Mulvaneys Bunker. Another great deal with Living Social coupons ... Mulvaneys Bunker on Dorr Street just east of Reynolds Rd. Another terrific local Toledo restaurant with great staff and great food. Plus about a million TVs. Our Living Social certificate was worth $20. We paid $10 for it. Our total bill was less than $19 (not including tip) and this is the fabulous feast we fed our faces ... 3 draft beers bowl of the most delicious potato soup, smothered in bacon and cheese Hawaiian Pizza - crispy, tasty, and yummy Irish Shepherd's Pie (big enough to eat for two more days of leftovers) - not made with ground meat but lovely delectable chunks of beef, covered with mashed potatoes and cheese 2 cups of coffee 2 pieces of wildly fabulous chocolate cake (Y... 08/19/2011

Good Morning Toledo August 3, 2011 Best Mexican Food in Toledo ... I love Mexican food. I admit it. It's almost an addiction. The good thing about my addiction, though is that there are so many places in Toledo to feed my addiction. Plus I'm a mighty fine cook, if I do say so myself. Here's a list of my favorites: Favorite Maragaritas - Loma Linda's Favorite Tostaditas - Loma Linda's (gotta bake the jalapenos on top!) Favorite Nachos - Mi Hacienda Favorite Refried Beans - Mi Hacienda Favorite Firecracker Shrimp - Amigos Favorite Grocery - San Marcos Favorite Fish Tacos - Ventura's Favorite Coldest Draft Mexican Beer - Mi Hacienda (their Dos XX is so cold it turns into a beer slush when you pour it into your chilled mug!) Favorite Decor - Mi Hacienda Favorite Tortilla Soup - Loma Linda's... 08/03/2011

Good Morning Toledo August 1st 2011. Wow, the first day of August already. Time flies when you're roastin' like a weenie on the barbeque. Being a glutton for punishment, I will be travelling in the near future to the Dallas area, where it is something like Day 40 of temperatures over 100 degrees. Yes, you read that right. Being a life long resident of Northwest Ohio, I am familiar with temperature changes in less than 12 hours of 40 degrees. Waking up in the morning to 21 degrees and snow flurries and eating dinner with the sun shining and 61 degrees is pretty normal certain times of the year. But sustained high humidity and temperatures is something sort of abnormal for this neck of the woods. Truth be told ... I'm ready for the Fall. Okay, okay, stop yelling at me. I realize all too s... 08/01/2011

Good Morning Toledo July 31 2011. Found a great deal on coffee at Kazmaier's on Perrysburg-Holland Road the other day. Chock Full O' Nuts was only about six bucks I think. In this economy every little bit helps and I'm not about to give up my morning coffee. I use to simply drive to my office in search of my java, but with gas prices so high, that puts my average mugfull at about five bucks. I'm a caffeine addict, but a poor one. I thought I'd switch to green tea, but uhm, that's more expensive than coffee, as I've developed a fondness for jasmine tea buds. And gourmet teapots.       Regardless, I'm not giving up my morning dose of comfort. I don't care how much it costs! I'll buy cheaper toilet paper to make up the difference. I'll drink draft bud light to make up the difference. I'll ... 07/31/2011

Down Payment Assistance through Neighborhood Stabilization Program in Toledo Ohio.   Did you know Toledo has a Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP)?  This is an initiative funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), aimed at helping neighborhoods in many areas that have been hard hit by the current real estate market, especially because of foreclosures.  Driving through many Toledo areas, one will see abandoned houses time and time again. While being an eyesore, these homes also contribute to urban blight.                                                                I closed a home recently in the Sylvania Ave./Phillips Ave. area on Dryden that was for sale through Neighborhood Stabilization Program.    This program is available to prospective homebuyers who f... 07/28/2011

43613 Toledo Community and Real Estate Information from Dee Nofziger REALTOR. Population Density - 5191 people per mile Household Size - 2.4 people Household with children - 30% Annual Residential Turnover - 15% 5+ Years of Residency - 46% Homeownership = 66% Median Age - 35.62 years Education Climate Index - 3 (1 is lowest, 5 is highest) White Collar Workforce - 78% Blue Collar Workforce - 22% Home Sales Summary: 2011 Jan - Mar sales = 564 avg sales price = $103,570 Apr - Jun sales = 126 avg sales price = $60,566 Total: sales = 690 avg sales price = $95,970 (Info provided by Onboard Community Profiles via Danberry Co., Realtors) PRICE REDUCED! 3836 ELMHURST, TOLEDO, OH 43613 Overview Maps Photos Description VIDEO Neighborhood $104,900 Single Family Home Main Features 3 Bedrooms1 Bathro... 07/10/2011

Declaration of Savings:We the Peopleof Homes for Heroes and Friends of Heroes,promise to continue to provide huge savings to our nation's heroes,who establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the commondefense, promote the general Welfare,and secure the Blessings of Libertyto ourselves and our Posterity, We hold these truths to be self-evident. For more information on Homes for Heroes Real Estate Discounts go to www.homesforheroes.com. 07/02/2011