The Kitchen

The kitchen is the homes hearth. For many homes it is the center of family activity. It is also the most often remodeled room in the American home. A well designed kitchen with plenty of cabinets and counter. Space can often compensate for other shortcomings in the home. Updating your kitchen can vary from smart, low-cost, cosmetic improvement, such as new wallpaper, or window treatments, to a total renovation of the space. And enjoyable kitchen is both efficient and attractive. Improvement should be made with this in mind. They should also coordinate with your family's lifestyle and the amount of time the family spends in the room. Investment Remodeling the kitchen is almost always in an excellent investment in terms, both of adding space for your families enjoyment, and an increasing the resale value of your home. Remodeling cost very depending on the number of appliances, quality of cabinets, type of countertops, and labor required to do the job. Most experts agreed that for the average American home, a mid-level remodel that includes new flooring, good quality, cabinets, countertops, and reasonably priced fixtures, and appliance is the best way to ensure a good return on your investment. For a complete remodel, the rule of thumb is not to spend more than 15% of the value of the home. Planning Solid planning is the main ingredient and determining the outcome of your remodel. Begin by thoroughly thinking through what you want the outcome of the remodel to be. The more complicated the project, the more important it is to receive professional advice. A kitchen remodel is something that you should only have to do once, so you want to take the time to do it right. Because of the wide range of cost and types of products available, it is important to first establish a realistic budget. Avoid under improving or over improving the space by selecting materials that are comparable and value with those used other homes in your neighborhood. This is necessary if you want your house to increase in value in relationship to the cost of the remodel. Components When selecting the new components for your kitchen, you have a lot to look forward to. Cabinetry and its accessories have come along way in the last 15 years. Whether you choose the traditional look of wood or the high tech style of euro/contemporary, you can select convenient features like Lazy Susan's and appliances that will make your kitchen, extremely functional and cleverly uncluttered. While plastic laminate is still the most popular countertop material available, your options also include ceramic tile, wood, natural stone, and synthetic solid surfaces that resemble marble or granite. Today's appliances are sleek, flexible, and offer more convenience than ever before. As a group, they are better looking than those of the past. They have a built-in look, fit, flush, and blend in well with surrounding cabinets. Most common colors or specialized finishes that fit in with any kitchen decor. As the center of the family activity, your kitchen is the most important room in the house. A well designed kitchen establishes a base where not only hungry bodies are nourished, but the families lifestyle is eased as well.

Home Safety and Security

Duplicate Keys Have duplicate keys made and keep them in convenient places so that samll children who lock themselves in the bathroom or other rooms can be freed promptly. When you take a vacation leave a key with a trusted neighbor. If you forget to attend to something before you leave or if an emergency arises, your neighbor may be abele to help you. Deadbolts Install deadboltlocks on all doors with access to the outside. By having a locksmith or security specialist come to your home to make an evaluation, you can deterimine the degree of security you would like to have. Smoke Detectors Install smoke detectors on every level in your home and check their alarms once a month. Change the batteries at least twice a year- when you change the time on your clocks. Chimney Inspection Have your chimney profeesionally inspected and cleaned, if necessary, at least once a year to remove soot and flammable creosote. A clear chimney will prevent a buildup of dangerous carbonmonoxide gas in the home. Always use a screen on your fireplace. Only burn materials designed for a fire place. Put ashes in metal containers and remove them from inside the house. Fire Extinguishers You should buy one fire extinguisher for every level of the home. Each member should be familiar with their locations. Have them checked annually to make sure they are fully charged. Be sure you and family know how to turn of the electricity, gas, and water in the event of an emergency. Carbon Monoxide Detectors For maximum protection, two carbon monoxide detectors are recommended per houshold; one located in the furnace rooom, the other near sleeping areas.

Buying First Home

Buying a home for the first time can be overwhelming. As a knowledgeable professional it's my pleasure to answer your questions and I'm committed to making the home buying experience, satisfying one for you. To help you begin your journey, here are some answers to a few questions that the first time homebuyers may ask as they begin their quest to purchase their first home. Why should I buy instead of rent? A home is an investment. When you rent, you write your monthly check and that money is gone forever. When you own your home, you can deduct the cost of your mortgage loan interest from your federal income taxes, and usually from your state taxes. you can also deduct the property taxes you pay as a homeowner. In addition, the value of your home may go up over the years, building equity for you. How do I know if I'm ready to buy a home? You can find out by asking yourself a few questions that will help guide you in your first purchase. Do I have a steady source of income? Have I been employed on a regular basis for the last 2 to 3 years? Is my current income reliable? Do I have a good record of paying my bills? Do I have a few outstanding long-term debts, like car payments? Do I have money saved for a down payment? Do I have the ability to pay a mortgage every month, plus additional cost? If you can answer, "yes" to these questions, you're probably ready to buy your own home. What is title insurance and why do I need it? An owner's policy of title insurance protects the buyer against loss for title threats undiscovered at the time of closing, and provides a defense in the event of claims against the title pursuant to the terms of the policy. How much money will I need upfront to buy a home? In general, you need enough money to cover three expenses: the earnest money (variable), down payment, and closing costs. In addition to the mortgage payment, what other costs do I need to consider? Utilities, property, taxes, homeowners insurance, and maintenance costs are a few of the extra expenses to be considered. Additionally, there may be homeowner association or condo association dues. How are pre-qualifying and preapproval different? Prequalification is an informal way to see how much you may be able to borrow. A preapproval is the lender's commitment to lend to you. Should I use a real estate agent? How do I find a good one? A good real estate professional can guide you through the entire process and make the experience much easier. All of the details involved in home buying, particularly the financial ones, can be mind-boggling. Start by asking your family and friends if they can recommend an agent. Look for an agent as well and understands your needs. The ideal agent knows the local area well and has resources in contact to help you in your search.

Searching for a Realtor? Be careful who you choose and the outcome may be correlated. But, for not the reasons you may expect.

Let's start right out with spilling the beans: Realtors are and should be chosen baised on the positive impact they will have on the buying or selling of the real estate they are chosen to represent via a client. An unspoken yet commenly used theme and frequently discussed topic amoungst clients : how will their relationship with Realtor "Jane" affect our social structure? Of course it could be disasterous to choose a realtor or agent who isnt supported, prepared, or knowledgable. However, many dont realize thats exctly why they have the Realtor Designation in the first place. Not getting into passing all of my national and state tests in Ohio and Michigan let me tell you it's not as easily replicated as one may presume. Here is a list of the Code of Ethics from https://www.nar.realtor/about-nar/governing-documents/the-code-of-ethics Above are some of the primary factors one might concider in choosing a Realtor. Unfortunatly, none of this matters on the home buying/selling timeline until certain milestones are crossed..Many people beleive the realtor you talk to is the one that you need to employ. Thats just not true in practice or in theory because real estate should be discussed. Authors note: Ive never klnown what someone thinks when they meet me. When Im conducting business I kow that my knowledge, skills, and abilities completely cover any fidicuary duties..Kwowledge from this can come from a total of Zero bad reviews or citations in the 15 years of being a licensced Realtor and the 26 years of providing housing and real estate servicecs for people and businesses. So why do deals go sour?! Communication and Market Conditions.

PURPOSE and new number 260-221-9673

2595 Broadway Toledo Ohio 43609 (multi family investment property)

1 of the 3 transient rooming units . Minutes away from the Toledo Zoo, Walbridge Park, The Toledo Sailing Club and many more attractions including Downtown Toledo.

Along with ACCESS To the Anthony Wayne trail as well as I-75 The City of Toledo main downtown area is 3.3 miles away making for an easy commute . Description of the Zoning District is RM multi-family (residence municipality) with city of Toledo permitted uses included as group living or group rental. This multi dwelling structure is 2400 sq feet above grade and nearly 1400 sq feet below grade.

All units have updated appliances including refrigerator and oven. The whole building runs on a highly efficient (and quiet) boiler system. 3 separate meters. Located on the Maumee River with 50 foot of spacious waterfront.

Also checkout the means of egress for each unit and you will see there is potential for a 4th efficiency inside. 5 bedrooms , 3 kitchens, and 4 full baths.

Helpful tip: Schedule a vewing or contcact 419-261-0237 for an exclusive appointment

Preventative Maintenance Tips

Every winter we get uplifted by Family freinds and good eats.

While those sweet potatoes are cooking and granny has nodded off the eggnog and grandkids are hovering there latest remote controlled UAV around her nostrils, your gradually missing out on protecting your investments.....https://www.houselogic.com/organize-maintain/home-maintenance-tips/home-preventative-maintenance-checklist-5-critical-tasks/

For example here are a few things to take into account for your home.  Below are pictures  (mostly incorrect) for proper run off away from your home.  We have included narrative to help understand the necessary corrections.  Water damage can be a danger to any home or building so making sure there is eb and flow of your downspouts at least longer than the roofline and away to the furthest most lowest point of the yard.

 a no no

 better but needs more out spout tailing away from building 

 very deceiving, notice , over time these heavy concrete peices will fall into the ground and the  water will be heading toward the foundation

 this is better

 Water damage can be a danger to any home or building so making sure there is eb and flow of your downspouts at least longer than the roofline and away to the furthest most lowest point of the yard.

The following pictures are indications of the vents in your foundation which are crucial for proper air movement in the hotter months. I have included pictures of open vents. They can be often times hiding beneath decks or landscaping so if you are unsure hire a professional to look into your crawl space....don't forget the flashlight and mask.  ALLso make sure the are closed in the winter and the screens are free from debris because you do not want tiny guests nesting in the house or building.

If you are leaving town for a period of time it isVERY IMPORTANT IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT VACANT BUILDINGS MAKE SURE YOU CONTACT The Department of Public Utlities and Have the water shut off.

 Below is a link to THE DPU.
http://toledo.oh.gov/services/public-utilities

HAPPY HOLLIDAYS