For the third time in its history, also 1981 and 1995, the City of Akron was named an "All-America City" by the National Civic League at its annual competition held this week in Tampa Florida. Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic accepted the award on behalf of the city and its residents. "This affirms the outstanding work of many people in our community who have worked so hard to make Akron one of this country's great places to work and live," said the Mayor. A delegation of 66 people from Akron was on hand in Tampa, Fla. to applaud the city's victory in the competition, often referred to as the Oscars for America's cities. Representatives from Akron schools, the business community, non-profit organizations, neighborhood groups and the University of Akron participated in the 10-minute presentat... 07/12/2008

    "The Horseshoe!" I had the privilege and honor, in my former life, to be the Manager of all the concrete repairs to The Ohio State University Football Stadium from 1999-2001, (The Horseshoe!). I have always been a Buckeye and loved our team! But, after that great experience, I am a real die hard! We have 4 seats now, which we cherish!!  My daughter graduated from Ohio State with a BS-RN and stayed in Columbus. I could not blame her! If not for so much family in Akron, I would have moved with her and joined HER Real Living in Columbus, which I will refer to as C-Bus for the rest of this post. Here are some pictures of my experience;            The Ohio State University Heritage!For 84 of its 116-year history, Ohio State football has been played in venerable Ohio Stadium. Listed on th... 07/11/2008

When asked what our area offers our buying clients, it's nice to have the facts on schools, crime, churches, shopping, highways and local amenities. Well, here is a great list for me and my fellow N.E. Ohio Realtor's® to shout about and re-print. Right here in good ol' Akron our two major hospitals, General and Summa, are listed as in the top 50 in the whole country. For a city of @ 200,000 people, that is remarkable. Not only that, but four more show up in the Cleveland area. Naturally, the Cleveland Clinic would show up as I am sure most of you are familiar with that hospital. It is visited by patients from all over the world when their health and lives are in danger. For those that do not know, Cleveland is only 40 minutes from the Akron area. Judging by this list N.E. Ohio is in goo... 07/10/2008

Charming 1 story rancy with two bedrooms and one bath. This home is a great starter home or fantastic for a single person currently paying rent. The monthly payment on this home could very well be less than what you're paying in rent right now. Check it out. Contact me for an appointment to review this home! 07/10/2008

This home is located in Firestone Park, Akron, Ohio (44301). It features five (5) bedrooms, dining room, piano room, three (3) full bathrooms, two (2) kitchens, three (3) car garage, family room with wet bar (water is not hooked up) and a fruit cellar (can also be used as a wine cellar. 07/10/2008

In 1916, Harvey Firestone embarked on creating a neighborhood with tree-lined boulevards curved around a central park to accommodate his growing work force. He saw many families of different income levels living together in diverse styles of homes (See pictures). He saw churches, schools and stores within walking distance. Harvey Firestone donated the land if a school, church, bank, library or any other structure would benefit the neighborhood.    Harvey Firestone hired his estate landscape architect, Alling S. DeForest, to design the layout for Firestone Park. Akron officials have pushed the limits of the area beyond its original borders. City publications draw the park as far south as Firestone Country Club, annexed from Coventry Township in 1985. Firestone Park is located in south A... 07/09/2008

School is out until fall and the kids are already saying "There's nothing to do". You can find all sorts of classes, activities and camps to keep the kids occupied by just checking out the postings on the community calendar! Here is what you'll find in your county over the next week, click on the link for additional information about the event.Wow, I live here and I cannot believe there is so much to do! Get your Family together and GO! Arts / Theatre / Music 7/8/2008 Creativity Transcends Akron Art Museum 7/8/2008 Bill Brandt: Shadows/Substance Akron Art Museum 7/8/2008 Art of Arthur & Lucia Matthews Akron Art Museum 7/8/2008 Firestone Park Concert City of Akron Recreation Bureau 7/9/2008 Art of Arthur & Lucia Matthews Akron Art Museum 7/9/2008 Creativity Transcends Akron Art Museum 7/... 07/08/2008

Many people build, our have built, nice beautiful decks on their homes all the time.  But like everything, it needs attention from time to time.  It seems that decks, like many things, get over looked and even forgotten about when it comes to maintenance and repairs. This wooden set of stairs looks normal enough.  Close to being up to code. BUT... As you can see this stair is about to DEMAND some attention when it has finally had enough and lets loose to send someone tumbling down the steps to certain injury. And if that doesn't get your attention, then this might even kill someone eventually.  Leaning or pushing into this rail might just be enough someday. It's a good idea to do a THOROUGH inspection of your deck, stairs and rails every spring to check for defects and potential failure... 07/07/2008

A story this morning in The Akron Beacon Journal gives even further indication that things are not as bad as some would have you believe. If you have read some of my earlier posts, you would know that I tend to jump all over good news. They report that the amount of unused industrial space in Akron, Ohio has been cut in HALF the last 4 years! I think that is remarkable. All we hear around here from everyone else is how bad things are. But, how bad can they be if that many business's are looking for, buying and leasing industrial space? For example, the report say's that Akron reached a 5 year vacancy high in 2004 with 16% of the available space VACANT. For contrast, the rest of NE Ohio's vacancy rate was only 10%. That makes it even more impressive that Akron has cut their rate to 8% in... 07/07/2008

 At least, according to this new report. A blog on eppraisal.com has reported that the company performed a 6 month analysis on homes across the country. A full report can be found here.  Of course, with all the different market reports out there, it depends on how they were arrived at. Our own records from the Ohio Association of Realtors for Jan-May 2008 shows the median home value in Akron to be $114,612, which is close to the report.  The blog states; "In Ohio, both Springfield and Dayton saw double digit increases in median values. Akron increased to $112,750 from $109,000 and Dayton to $98,800 from $90,600." This puts Akron, Ohio homes at number 16 in the country for gains the past 6 months. 16 Akron, OH                 $112,750             +9.5 % Not just from this report, but fro... 07/04/2008

History is preserved! On Monday, June 30th, to make way for new development in downtown Akron, Ohio, an entire home was moved two blocks to a new permanent location. Not just any home, mind you, but the oldest residential home in the downtown Akron area. The home was built by Richard Howe, the resident engineer of the Ohio & Erie Canal, in 1836. For perspective, Andrew Jackson was president. The Howe family lived there for over 20 years. Since then it has been a home and a storefront but, sadly, vacant for many years, so this is a blessing for history lovers. The 400 ton home was meticulously prepared for raising the last few months by carefully excavating the foundation and fortifying the fragile structure for moving. It was placed on large steel beams and remote controlled wheels for ... 07/02/2008

And You Say, "There Is Nothing To Do In Akron, Ohio???"Enjoy the BBQ's, watermelon, apple pie and fireworks as we celebrate the birth of our Nation. Have a safe and happy Fourth of July! You won't want to miss these events coming up this week, click on the link for additional information about the event. Arts / Theatre / Music 7/1/2008 Bill Brandt: Shadows/Substance Akron Art Museum 7/1/2008 Creativity Transcends Akron Art Museum 7/1/2008 Art of Arthur & Lucia Matthews Akron Art Museum 7/1/2008 Firestone Park Concert City of Akron Recreation Bureau 7/2/2008 Art of Arthur & Lucia Matthews Akron Art Museum 7/2/2008 Bill Brandt: Shadows/Substance Akron Art Museum 7/2/2008 Creativity Transcends Akron Art Museum 7/2/2008 Cascade Plaza Concert City of Akron Recreation Bureau 7/2/2008 Western ... 07/01/2008

This year for the Portage Lakes 4th of July celebration, you can buy your own "rocket."  Yes, as a unique way to raise money for the fireworks display, you can buy a rocket for $25 or $50.  You can choose your color, be it red, white, blue, yellow, green or gold. You can also select the size and type that you would like to purchase.  The $25 choices include a six inch Fancy color Changing Shell, a six inch Multi-colored star or a six inch Chrysanthemum Shell.  If you'd like to purchase a $50 one you can choose from a 10 inch Salute or Boomer, a 10 inch Kamuros or a 10 inch Star Shell.  Once you purchase a firework, you will also receive an official certificate saying that you bought a rocket for the 2008 Portage Lakes Fireworks Display. You can join in the fun by buying one at the Manch... 06/24/2008

Condensate drain lines must be properly terminated in a floor drain or to the outside of the house.  Excess water and moisture can become a very serious problem in your home if these drain lines flow into your home improperly. Here is a photo of a condensate drain from an HVAC unit.  A very common and neseccary component.   Now here is the problem.  This line MUST drain to something other than the floor of the crawlspace.   There are several options to properly draining this line.  No not a bucket.  This particular crawlspace was in dire need of a sump pump, that would be one possibility.  Another possible solution would be a condensate pump to take the water out of the house.     This information is provided by David Holden, DRH Home Inspection in the Akron Ohio, Summit County Ohio Area. 05/21/2008

One of my favorite tv shows as a kid was "Lost in Space".  It was ahead of it's time in the early 70's.  The best character on the show was "Robot".  He was always there to warn eveyone and save the day.  He certainly would have sounded many warnings if they had stairs and rails on the ship, but it had a huge ramp and an elevator.  Oh, there was also an emergency ladder from the lower level, but that is another issue and danger all it's own. Stairs and Handrails are one of the most important hazards around your house, yet they can also be the most overlooked and are most often taken for granted.  Just about every building made by man has stairs and handrails.  Some are done to code and correctly, while others are a trap just waiting for some unsuspecting person to travel up or down them... 05/21/2008

I actually have access to loans which are not based on your credit score. Some loans require you to take classes with a local bank. Some loans are only available for properties in certain census tracts. These are offered in very limited quantities. Please call today - we can probably get you set up in a new home if you are working steadily. We will definitely do our best to help you get on track for home ownership! It costs you nothing to find out if this will work for you! 05/14/2008

Last week, while on an inspection, I was asked "Would you buy this house?" numerous times by both the husband and wife.  They are planning to buy a house from a FSBO, an investor flipping this house.  The main reason for the question was a past roof mold issue, which appeared to have been eliminated by a new roof with the exception of residual mold still present.  The much larger problem and threat to their health was the crawlspace.  It was saturated with moisture, even some standing water in a few places.     One of the visible problems was sealed-off vents, ALL 10 of them.  I explained that this could be one of the main problems, inadequate ventilation, as well as no vapor barrier present.  I also report that the water supply lines and sewer drains where mainly buried underground and... 05/03/2008

Homes For Sale in AKron Ohio WOW!  What a market we are in now!  Our office had twice as many signed sales agreements in March as we did in 2007! The current market of homes for sale shows that there are 3884 homes on the market in Summit County, the average is listed for $174,110 with 3 bedrooms and 1827 square feet. We have had 361 closings in the county since March 28 of this year. Buyers and sellers are DEALING in homes for sale in Akron Ohio. Let me help you make that deal today! Seaarch for homes at www.HomesForSaleAkronOhio.com Spring is here....:-) Callie Sinkinson e-PRO, ABR 330-962-3430   04/28/2008

Diane joins Ray Horner on 1590 WAKR in Akron, Ohio each week for her decorating segment on the Ray Horner Morning show, every Tuesday morning at 6:50 AM.  Topics this month include: February 5, 2008   Adding Visual Interest. February 12, 2008 Ten Easy Home Staging Tips.February 19, 2008 Keeping It Cozy This Winter. February 26, 2008 Interior Redesign Your stuff, My Ideas.  Each interview will be available for listening immediately following the show at Diane's Active Rain Blog right under her photo in the right hand column or at: http://Dianeagnesi.com in the audio section.Future programs will be posted each Tuesday, immediatelty following the program, here on Actived Rain.  02/14/2008

Do you have an adventurous side?  Do you have a generous side?  Then come on out to the Portage Lakes State Park on Sat., Feb. 16 and join the other brave souls who are taking a leap into the frigid water for a good cause...raising money for the March of Dimes.  Be there by 1:00 and the jump begins at 2:00.  There will be a $25 donation to jump and feel free to donate more or have others sponsor you.  Bring a big heavy blanket for after the jump and some warm clothes.  Feel free to dress a little crazy if you want to, too.  A good time will be had by all and lots of money will be raised for the March of Dimes.  Go to http://www.portagelakespolarbearclub.com/ for more information. 02/13/2008