What a nice break in the weather; makes me want to do something! And we still have plenty of outdoor activities in Akron and Summit County, Ohio! Let's Do It! Arts / Theatre / Music 11/4/2008 Unveiled Akron Art Museum 11/4/2008 Machines at Play Akron Art Museum 11/4/2008 Heartfield vs. Nazi Akron Art Museum 11/4/2008 Teen Denim Pillow Craft Barberton Public Library 11/4/2008 Enameling with Carol Adams Fine Art Services/Peninsula Art Academy 11/4/2008 Bedtime Snack Show Mountain Rose Concerts 11/5/2008 Unveiled Akron Art Museum 11/5/2008 Heartfield vs. Nazi Akron Art Museum 11/5/2008 Machines at Play Akron Art Museum 11/5/2008 Creative Jewelry Design at PAA Fine Art Services/Peninsula Art Academy 11/5/2008 Weekly dance & lessons Ohio's North Coast Jitterbug Connection 11/6/2008 Machines ... 11/04/2008

I was perusing Commercial Real Estate articles and news online and came across this article which supports multi-family and touches on a couple different aspects of Commercial Real Estate. Top 10 Tips for 2009   1. Investors should sit tight; opportunities will surface at significant discounts. 2. Invest in maturity defaults, construction loans/bridge loans, or take mezzanine positions and equity stakes in properties. 3. Invest in REITS as they will lead the market's recovery. 4. Focus on global pathway markets, including 24-hour coastal cities. 5. Staff up asset managers, leasing pros, and workout specialists; separate good assets from the bad. 6. Retrench on development, and reorient to mixed-use and infill. 7. Go green; cutting energy expenses is likely to be a priority. 8. Buy or ho... 11/03/2008

Let's just recap on some of Ohio's taxes: Ohio Sales Tax Ohio Income Tax (withholdings for employees & your Sch. C) Local Income Tax Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) (broken link) Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Ohio Bureau of Worker's Compensation School District Tax (where applicable) Gasoline Tax (28 Cents a gallon plus 3 cents commercial) Homestead Alcohol & Tobacco (Sin) taxes Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) Corporation Franchise Kilowatt-hour Tax Employer Withholding Horse Racing Motor Fuel Tax International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) Municipal Income Tax Natural Gas Distribution (MCF) Other Tobacco Products (OTP) Pass-Through Entities Personal Property Public Utility Excise Public Utility Property Real Property Replacement Tire Fee Sales & Use Severance This is not to me... 11/03/2008

Anyone who has pets will really like this. You'll like it even if you don't and you may even decide you need one!          Mary and her husband Jim had a dog named 'Lucky.' Lucky was a real character. Whenever Mary and Jim had company come for a week end visit they would warn their friends to not leave their luggage open because Lucky would help himself to whatever struck  his fancy. Inevitably, someone would forget and something would come up missing.          Mary or Jim would go to Lucky's toy box in the basement and there the treasure would be, amid all of Lucky's other favorite toys. Lucky always stashed his finds in his toy box and he was very particular that his toys stay in the box.           It happened that Mary found out she had breast cancer. Something told her  she was goin... 10/31/2008

We assume this perspective may depend on the location and condition of your rental property, but this debate, for now, focuses on residential apartment leases. We recently executed our first month to month lease for a tenant, based on marginal credit scores and in hindsight it got us thinking about why we ever write one year leases... What good is a one year lease really?  If a tenant up and leaves 7 months into a 12 month lease regardless of what condition they leave the unit in... you keep the deposit and what, pay attorney fees to "squeeze blood from a turnip" or "chase your tail"... You may be able to place a lien on a person which will stay in place until they go to purchase a big ticket item, such as a vehicle or home, etc, at which time they must make amends and hopefully own up.... 10/31/2008

For the first 6 years of my Real Estate Career, I was the first one into the office and the last one to leave, but as time rolled on and the buzz from large transactions dwindled faster and faster, I realized I needed some sort of release or destressors. So now, while I still open the office, if the weather is nice, I do not hesitate to hit the park for a jog or a bike ride, but my passion has become triathlons, and while I am an absolute newbie to them as I only completed my first two this year, I cannot wait to get back in the water, on the road and on the bike in 2009... Anyhow, I know for me, the endorphins and adrenaline I expel on a run or workout is the natural high of natural highs!  I had a brisk day at the office today and even though the temperature was hovering around 50 deg... 10/30/2008

Well, we are certainly getting some typical cold Ohio October weather this week. The good news is that it is going to be a beautiful weekend, so get out and hit some of these events. Stay active.   Arts / Theatre / Music 10/28/2008 Heartfield vs. Nazi Akron Art Museum 10/28/2008 Unveiled Akron Art Museum 10/28/2008 Machines at Play Akron Art Museum 10/28/2008 Enameling with Carol Adams Fine Art Services/Peninsula Art Academy 10/28/2008 The Bedtime Snack Show (featured event) Mountain Rose Concerts 10/29/2008 Unveiled Akron Art Museum 10/29/2008 Heartfield vs. Nazi Akron Art Museum 10/29/2008 Machines at Play Akron Art Museum 10/29/2008 Weekly dance & lessons Ohio's North Coast Jitterbug Connection 10/30/2008 Unveiled Akron Art Museum 10/30/2008 Machines at Play Akron Art Museum 10/30/2... 10/28/2008

If you are looking to buy cheap investment properties in Akron Ohio, you need to start NOW. In the last six months, there were 310 properties sold in the Akron Ohio area from $0-$20,000.  Of those Akron properties sold, the AVERAGE sale price was $10,805.  Just think of the cash flow you will be able to generate with rents of $400-$600 every month.  Below is an example of how you can use real estate investment property income to generate long term wealth: Purchase Price: $15,000 Repair Work: $5,000 Total Cost: $20,000 Monthly Rent: $500 Monthly Taxes & Insurance: $130 $500 - $130 = $370 POSITIVE MONTHLY CASH FLOW So, using this basic example, it would take only 54 months before your Akron real estate investment is completely paid for.  Once paid for, your investment property is increasi... 10/27/2008

Our local government can't seem to get it through their head, that the economy is in a recession and instead they continue to employ way too many people, hemorrage money on wasteful projects and whine about needing levies on the ballot for more money for ill-budgeted schools and governmental and non-profit organizations... I find it sad, that even though it was like pulling teeth to work with my lender to arrive at an agreeable comprimise, it was simply time spent on the phone and filling out docucments, I can't even begin to work on my local real estate taxes without spending money on attorneys, filing fees, etc... I know the schools in the area are good, but Enough Already!!   Sales Tax Real Estate Tax Income Tax Social Security / Medicare Self-Employment OY VEY!!!! 10/26/2008

Job losses and rent declines stagger the market ~ For the past year, apartment buildings have been one of the few bright spots in the real-estate industry as people forced out of the home-buying market by foreclosures or the credit crunch have turned to renting. But now the specter of job losses is beginning to spread the gloom into that sector as well. As would-be renters are doubling up in apartments or moving in with friends and families, rents and occupancy rates are beginning to fall in many cities. In some of our complexes we have hesitated in the normal rent increases due to the fact that we fear the impending potential vacancy and we want to keep our good tenants as long as possible. Does anyone out there have any similar or different experiences? 10/26/2008

Jack Johnson, Mason Jennings and Money Mark performed at Blossom Music Center yesterday evening, and perform they did. Money Mark opened with a fun, upbeat set that differed from the usual opening act. His warm style and positive beats got the melancholy crowd revved up. Mason Jennings is, in a nutshell, a reincarnated Bob Dylan for this genenration. His smooth guitar and eclectic songs merge somewhat abstractly with his undualting voice to form what can only be desribed as a unique style all too himself. He was just what the audience needed before the main show! With a nice break to purchase a couple of $8 dollar beers and a souvenir t-shirt for a friend and one for myself, the roar of an ocean of people all moving in a singular direction just trying to sponge a bit of the good vibrati... 10/26/2008

[b]Into the first mile of the inevitable 6.2 miles total, I struggled to maintain my pace as my adrenaline fought to get the better of me. Between the overwhelming excitement of spotting my relay team member Adam Bologna finishing his 5K and wading through the crowd of others searching the sea of people for the armband exchange, and now knowing what Forrest Gump must have felt like, when his teammate called out ("Run Forrest, Run!)as Adam subtlety prodded me to get moving. As I began my 10K leg of the relay, running with so many others through The University of Akron, skirting downtown and heading for the majority of the run on towpath, I could not help but to get lost in the joy of celebrating so many supporters voicing their cheers and showing homemade signs of moral. [/b] *** [i]Even... 10/26/2008

As the waves of retribution resonate through our industry and other similar industries, the ramifications are loud and easily felt... I have seen a handful of Commercial Real Estate Agents go elsewhere to other industries to seek salaried positions. On the other hand, I have also witnessed numerous financial carnage, as layoffs, shutdowns, bankruptcies and fraud have shaken those employers to the ground...  Mortgage brokers, lenders, appraisers, construction, home builders, pest control, landscaping, etc... I hope the comments have some silver linings my follow up will hopefully have a positive tinge as well. 10/24/2008

Let's all go GREEN!!  One way, switch out the light bulbs in your home for compact florescent bulbs. They have a higher purchase price, but the potential savings on your energy bill is a $100 a year or more. Compact florescent bulbs also need replacement less frequently.Now, please take a minute to check out what is happening this week in our community,  click on the link for more details:     Arts / Theatre / Music 10/21/2008 Heartfield vs. Nazi Akron Art Museum 10/21/2008 Machines at Play Akron Art Museum 10/21/2008 Unveiled Akron Art Museum 10/21/2008 Teen Anime Club Barberton Public Library 10/21/2008 Enameling with Carol Adams Fine Art Services/Peninsula Art Academy 10/21/2008 Garfield High School Orchestra Akron Public Schools - Garfield High School 10/21/2008 Pianist Thollem McDo... 10/21/2008

  I've been wanting to get on a Segway personal transport for years now ever since I was in Put-In-Bay and saw the tours up there. I finally rode on one! There's a place in Akron that has just opened up uniques townhomes for sale called Spicer Village that has some lovely multi-level units that even had rooftop terraces! Those who can envision what this new area will look like when they have the beautiful common areas in, and the landscaping all done could find a home close to everything around the Akron, Ohio downtown and University Of Akron areas. Lots of great changes going on in that area! Mike Wiant was kind enough to show us around the townhomes, and even taught my husband Kevin and I how to ride the Segways that the residents will have available to them (no, that's not us in the... 10/16/2008

We tend to take so many things for granted.  They are there on a daily basis and we generally don't give them much though.  However, the sad events of 9-11 brought so much "front and center" and reminded us that our "first responders" put themselves in harms way on a regular basis. Our brave men and women serving in law enforcement and in our fire departments perform their duties on a regular basis without thought of self.  They perform their duties with the highest level of training and serve their communities faithfully. I have a cousin who retired from the Ohio Highway Patrol.  I remember one discussion we had regarding "trooper awareness" when approaching a vehicle that they have stopped for whatever violation.  They are trained to always suspect danger as they approach a car.  Most... 10/10/2008

The Akron University Zips beat the Kent State Flashes 30-27 in double overtime to take the "Wagon Wheel" game for the third year in a row. Kent State dominated the game on the ground while Akron moved the ball in the air.  Kent out rushed Akron 256 yards to 58.  Akron led the passing game 243 yards to 157 and also on the scoreboard. Kent had an opportunity to tie the game in the final overtime but missed a 23 yard field goal attempt. The "Wagon Wheel" is kept by the winning team until the next game with the winner gaining possession of the coveted trophy for the next year.  The wagon wheel is an artifact of the late John R. Buchtel (founder of Akron University, formerly known as Buchtel college) that was excavated from an area in Kent years after Buchtel had gotten stuck in the mud look... 10/04/2008

  There is plenty to do in Akron and Summit County, Ohio! It's Oktoberfest time. Beautiful fall scenery and plenty of German beer that must be disposed of...... safely and responsibly, of course. Have a blast. Arts / Theatre / Music 9/30/2008 Machines at Play Akron Art Museum 9/30/2008 Smells Like Teen Spirit Akron Art Museum 9/30/2008 Heartfield vs. Nazi Akron Art Museum 9/30/2008 Unveiled Akron Art Museum 9/30/2008 Creative Jewelry Design at PAA Fine Art Services/Peninsula Art Academy 9/30/2008 Enameling with Carol Adams Fine Art Services/Peninsula Art Academy 9/30/2008 Bedtime Snack Show (featured event) Mountain Rose Concerts 10/1/2008 Machines at Play Akron Art Museum 10/1/2008 Heartfield vs. Nazi Akron Art Museum 10/1/2008 Smells Like Teen Spirit Akron Art Museum 10/1/2008 Unveile... 09/30/2008

 Low office space vacancy rates in Akron, Ohio, can this be true?         I am happy to continue my series on the Akron, OH commercial real estate market by relaying some positive news on our office leasing market. In today's Akron Beacon Journal reporter Paula Schleis penned an article on the lower office space vacancy rates in our area. In the article (see link below) she reports that Team NEO's (aera economic development group) recent findings show that vacancy rates for Class "A" office space in our 16-county region fell from 19 percent in 2003-2004 to about 12 percent now. Currently Team NEO also finds that Class "B" space is at 13 percent and Class "C" office space vacancy stands at 9 percent. In the specific Akron, Ohio area, the combigned vacancy rate is reported at 8 percent, d... 09/29/2008

With lots to do and events to go to, get out in Akron, Ohio and enjoy the great weather and LIVE! Do we live in a great town or what?????? Arts / Theatre / Music 9/9/2008 Smells Like Teen Spirit Akron Art Museum 9/9/2008 Heartfield vs. Nazi Akron Art Museum 9/9/2008 Unveiled Akron Art Museum 9/9/2008 Bedtime Snack Show (featured event) Mountain Rose Concerts 9/10/2008 Smells Like Teen Spirit Akron Art Museum 9/10/2008 Heartfield vs. Nazi Akron Art Museum 9/10/2008 Unveiled Akron Art Museum 9/10/2008 Weekly dance and lessons Ohio's North Coast Jitterbug Connection 9/11/2008 Heartfield vs. Nazi Akron Art Museum 9/11/2008 Smells Like Teen Spirit Akron Art Museum 9/11/2008 Unveiled Akron Art Museum 9/11/2008 Brushstrokes Now & Then Summit Artspace 9/11/2008 You too can paint at PAA Fine Art... 09/09/2008