About Lucas County, OH

Big Mistakes House Hunters Make

Falling In Love with a House that's above your Price Range
It's best to know your price range by getting a pre-approval.
And try starting out on the lower end of your price range,
there may be no need to search in your higher range.

Thinking you have Found a One of a Kind
Even if you have a long wish list, chances are that there
will be more than one home available that fits your list.
Another home that is similar may be less expensive and
be the dream home for less. Keep in mind that the builder
of the home you love built more than one, with many
similarities. House Hunter Patients required.

Out Bid again and become Desperate
You've been search for a while now, and get out bid or
even start giving up on your wish list. Don't make a
purchase out of fear it's not going to happen.

Overlooking Major Problems in a Home
Consider your finances when purchasing a home that
has structual, appearance or location issues. All three
of these can become costly upon ownership or even
at the time you wish to sell. House Hunters Beware

Thinking You can Fix This or That - no problem
Too often buyers know they can fix it but do you really
have the TIME and Budget to do it. Evaluate all the
expenses and time realistically. How long can you live
with it, how long will it take you to do it.

Market Condition Opportunity
The market condition has allowed home buyers to
purchase New or Almost New Homes for less than it
actually cost to build. Materials for repairing haven't
declined at the same rate as home value has.
House hunting Toledo areas, you'll see it.

Fitting into your lifestyle
If it doesn't fit - don't commit

IF it Fits be ready to commit
It is hard to balance out being too anxious and being
patient. Sound decisions are based on knowing what
will make you happy. House Hunter tips

Offering More than a House is Worth
Getting yourself into a home that is selling for more
than the banks appraisal value, could become a nightmare.
Unless your positive, for what ever reason, don't
start out under water.

From: REMAXIntl | November 06, 2009 | 5,603 views RE/MAX Chief Executive Officer, Margaret Kelly, talks about the government's extension/expansion of the first-time homebuyer tax credit. Certain existing homeowners can now qualify for the credit and homebuyers have until April 30, 2010 to put a contract on a house. Find out more on www.remax.com and www.facebook.com/remax.

Here's a link for you to see what Margaret Kelly of REMAX has to say: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3BzAYXCR1A

Holiday Parade and Kris Kringle Village Launch Holidays in Downtown Toledo

TOLEDO - Toledo 's annual Holiday Parade will march the streets of downtown again this season, thanks to a partnership involving The Blade, Buckeye CableSystem, Taylor Automotive Group, and other prospective sponsors. And that will be just the start of a glittering expanded two-day event for the entire family.

For the 22nd consecutive year, the city will herald the start of the winter holidays with the largest balloon parade in the Midwest . Enthusiastic marching bands, capering clowns, strutting equestrian units, Festive dance troupes and more will step offat Summit and Jefferson Streets at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 28, traveling north on Summit Street to Jackson Street and finishing on Huron Street at 12:30 p.m. Along the way, children - of all ages - will enjoy a festive selection of multi-storied helium balloons, fun floats and, of course, the parade's biggest star: Santa Claus! It is one day each year that is guaranteed to lift spirits and brighten outlooks.

But in these troubled times, one day may not be enough. So The Blade and Buckeye CableSystem are expanding the festivities to two days and three events:

• "Up, Up, Hurray", the annual Parade, will take place Saturday, November 28.
• Breakfast with Santa,a sweepstakes, will entertain winning families at the Imagination Station (formerly COSI ), the morning of the parade.

• Kris Kringle Village, a two-day attraction at the Erie Street Market, Saturday and Sunday, November 28 & 29, will feature kids activities, live entertainment, holiday vendors, horse-drawn carriage rides, live reindeer and more.

"Downtown Toledo will be Holiday Central for families eager to launch the season," said Joseph H. Zerbey IV, Vice President/General Manager for The Blade. "The Blade and its partners are proud to serve as Santa's helpers in sponsoring this expanded celebration."

The annual Parade attracts hundreds of participants each year. With the addition of Kris Kringle Village, more sponsors and volunteers are needed then ever before.

"It will take 300 or more volunteers along with substantial financial support from the business community to get the Parade down the street and the Village up and operating. We encourage anyone with an interest in supporting either or both of these events to contact us." Zerbey added.

Interested parties wishing to sponsor bands and units in the parade, or to participate as a volunteer, should contact the Parade hotline at 419-290-8629, email Parade organizers at holidayparade@toledoblade.comor visit toledoblade.com/parade. Businesses interested in being a Parade or Village sponsor should contact Mike Mori at The Blade at 419-724-6380 .
By: Great Toledo Convention and Visitors Bureau

Celebrate Holiday Tours -Beauty of Christmas With Holiday Lantern Tours at Sauder Village

Archbold, OH - Reservations are being taken for "Holiday Lantern Tours," an opportunity to experience a turn-of-the-century Christmas at Sauder Village! Again this year, family and friends will be gathering to hear stories of the past and make memories together as they experience holiday celebrations of yesteryear. Advance reservations are needed for this popular holiday event to be held on November 28, December 5, 11 and 12.

"During our annual Holiday Lantern Tours guests are invited to take time out from a busy season to share in the Christmas traditions of long ago," shared Kim Krieger, Media Relations Specialist at Sauder Village. "With a personalized tour, engaging stories from the past and the magical experience of visiting the village by candlelight, guests can truly experience the warmth and beauty of the Christmas season."

On these four special evenings in the Historic Village the flicker of a candle-lit lantern will light the way as a costumed interpreter takes small groups on a journey back in time. Along the way guests will be invited to experience the holiday customs and celebrations in Northwest Ohio in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Because this is a personalized tour, guests will be encouraged to ask questions and interact with the guide - making each tour a truly unique experience!

In the 1910 Homestead guests will meet Mrs. Grime and hear stories about her preparations for Christmas. Our young school teacher will welcome guests to the District 16 School and encourage them to help make a paper chain to decorate the school for the Christmas season. While visiting the Village church guests can join in a hymn sing and will receive a special gift appropriate to the late 1800s. At the Elmira Depot guests can visit with the station master to learn more about what happened in a depot at the turn of the century. Guests can visit the baggage room filled with traditional gifts and citrus fruits and hear stories about the importance of the railroad.

The Holiday Lantern Tours last approximately 90 minutes and will be repeated every half hour from 4:00 - 8:30 p.m. While the Holiday Lantern Tours are family-oriented programs, the tours may be too long for children under six years old to enjoy.

Pre-registration and pre-payment are required for this special program. Cost is $10.00 for adults and $6.00 for students ages 6-16. Special group and Village Membership rates are available for this holiday program. Reservations for the Holiday Lantern Tours can be made online at www.saudervillage.org or by calling Sauder Village at 800.590.9755.

Shopping is also a key part of the holiday experience for many Village guests. The Village Gift Shop, Lauber's General Store and Threads of Tradition Quilt Shop will be open on the evenings of the Lantern Tours. From items hand-crafted by the artisans at the Village to unique books, toys and home décor items - guests are sure to find many distinctive gifts while enjoying a pleasant, unhurried shopping experience. There are also some special shopping events planned for the holidays including a Children's Christmas Shopping Event on Saturday, December 5^th with special gift items and free gift wrapping from our Junior Historians.

In addition to the Holiday Lantern Tours, Sauder Village is also offering a number of special Holiday Classes again this year including making a quilled snowflake, mittens and a gingerbread house. Class details and registration information is available online.

For more details on Holiday Lantern Tours, classes or shopping at Sauder Village call 800.590.9Greater Toledo Convention and Visitors Bureau 755 or visit the Village website at www.saudervillage.org
By: Great Toledo Convention and Visitors Bureau

Santa isn't just stuffing the stockings of first time homebuyers this Christmas, he's stuffing the ones hanging from move up buyer's mantles, too.

I have said all along that the people who need help are the homeowners whose home values have fallen in the last few years, but can't afford to wait until the market turns around to move.

Sometimes "life" happens and someone gets transferred, or loses a job, or gets ill, or divorced, or, or, or ... and if we're going to help a segment of the population with their real estate transactions, then move-up or move-down, or just plain move-out buyers are a worthy segment, too.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not so sure about all this bail-out mania from the powers that be, but if it's going to happen anyway, then I agree that first time homebuyers aren't the only deserving homebuyers.

Go ahead and watch the video, it's a pretty cool way to get the information to you. Then afterwards, contact me for more information or to see what homes are still available in Northwest Ohio!