Carol Smith, ReMax Preferred, REALTOR®, Toledo, OH

Remember the good ol' days? Sheriff Taylor would say something rhetorically profound and Gomer would always respond with, "Surprise, surprise!" Mayberry was a quaint little town, devoid of true crime and socio-political problems. Life was good - simple, pure, comfortable.

::: Whistling the theme from the Andy of Mayberry show :::

Then along comes progress, modernization, technology and political correctness. And we, collectively, shot ourselves in the foot.

But as we evolved into a sophisticated, tech savvy, highly educated and upwardly mobile society ... we found ways to circumvent our own intelligence and progress. And quite innocently.

Or at least it seemed so ... at first.

We all know the roller-coaster that is real estate. That wild ride full of extremes - high and low. And we ride it - daily. Through all the good and bad, the sure things and the uncertainties. We negotiate the best terms for our clients, we get so frustrated we could scream and then we breathe deep as we complete a transaction that places a family in a new home.

At least that's the dream. The dream of a professional REALTOR.

::: Cue the ominous beat of a drum :::

Enter ... those stinking scam artists.

You know ... those low-life bloodsuckers that prey on people that are in a bind. The ones that offer that "quick fix" to your problems. The ones that offer to deal with those pesky banks that are demanding a mortgage payment. These scammers promise to take care of things and urge you not to worry. It's going to be OK. Just do as they say and trust them.

And ... the check is in the mail. Yeah -- right.

I read an article on the MSNBC site about Foreclosure Fraud. Quite simply ... it made my skin crawl. Just the thought of someone being so underhanded ... someone that could get up each morning and look in the mirror and not see the slime that they are. I just don't understand.

The mess that we know as the "mortgage meltdown" or "foreclosure debacle" is made much worse with the workings of these scammers. They are preying on people that have become desperate for a helping hand, a light at the end of the tunnel.

All the while ... as they look toward the other end of the tunnel, they don't realize that the train is headed straight at them. They are totally taken by surprise. But by then ... it's too late.

If you are dealing with a short sale situation, a pre-foreclosure, or are in foreclosure ... PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE consult an attorney, check with your local city/county government offices, or at a minimum check with your local Better Business Bureau if you are approached by one of these super easy, very simple, "let us save you from the embarrassment of foreclosure" scams.

THE ONLY PERSON THAT IS GOING TO MAKE OUT IN ONE OF THOSE DEALS IS THE SCAMMER! DON'T FALL FOR IT! CONSULT A REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL AND GET THE HELP YOU NEED.

**Image courtesy of: Classic TV DVD Sets via Google Images

*** Written and posted by Carol Smith, RE/MAX Preferred Associates, Toledo, OH ***

SHOW ME THE MONEY! :: Did Jerry McGuire have the right idea?

We all know our national economy is in turmoil right now. We all know that real estate has slowed in more markets than not. We all know that this, too, shall pass. But while we know these things … are we really looking forward? Are we counting on ourselves to rise to the occasion? From what I read and hear … that might be a stretch.

We are fearful of our investments, fearful of job losses, fearful of financial ruin that will compromise our ability to take care of our families. And that fear is always about the same thing. Money. That evil green paper that we all require in order to survive in this world.

So … what do we do about it? Sit around, listen to the newscasters and financial analysts tell us that we are destined for certain ruin? Talk amongst our friends and family about how worried we are? Lose sleep worrying? I sure hope not.

You see, I prefer to look for inspiration to get past all this unsettling news. All this doom and gloom. In some small way that lets me feel like I’m not alone and that there are options out there.

Options? Someone say options? Hmmm … just what might those be?

Well, I must admit, I take a look at Forbes Magazine online from time to time. The articles are comprehensive and, generally, offer a look at more than one side of a story. The story that caught my eye this morning was the list of The Forbes 400. The wealthiest 400 people in America. I noticed I was not among that list! What a shock!

One thing that caught my attention in this list is that most of these notables have invested heavily in real estate. They have placed their money, and their futures, on the product that we sell. And they have done very well with it – in good times and bad.

Now your immediate response is … they started with tons of money, so why not do well! If that’s your reaction, then I urge you to read some of the stories of these wealthy individuals. Not all of them started with a silver spoon in their mouths.

Jeffrey Green is one of the interesting characters in this effort. Kind of a rebel among rebels. His story is quite amazing. You should check him out. One thing I found enlightening in the story was this:

Greene began putting his savings to work in business school. He put down $7,400 to buy a three-family home, and rented out rooms so he could live for free. By the time he graduated in 1979 Greene owned 18 properties and was generating more than enough income to cover his $4,500 annual tuition. He sold out a few years later for what Greene says was ten times his cost, pocketing a $1 million profit.

A far cry from his life today. The key to this success? Mr. Green did not expect to make an instant fortune. He rode the waves of success and failure, and took his lumps in the process. But in the end … he has triumphed.

The realization that investing in real estate is a long term plan is the point I’m making here. The days of “fix and flip” have come and gone. The rapid inflation of housing values is balancing out into a more believable pace. We are in a self-correcting market. And, that in itself, is a true green light to begin investing in real estate. But always keep in mind that real estate investing is a long term venture. And the tax advantages can certainly make it all worthwhile. (**If you are considering real estate investing, please consult with an accountant/attorney that is familiar with all the tax codes regarding this. Do not attempt this endeavor without being fully informed.)

And that, my friends, is how I spend my Saturday morning trying to wake up …

Written and posted by Carol Smith, ReMax Preferred Associates, Toledo, OH.

For a personal consultation on the ups and downs of investing in real estate, please call me at 419-297-7454. I will do my absolute best to make your investment transactions as hassle-free as possible.

Toledo, OH

It's a Wednesday evening, light breeze, comfortable temperatures and a setting that God must have designed especially for this event. Friendship Park - located in the Point Place neighborhood of Toledo.

I had the honor of attending the 4th Annual Support the Troops Rally that is held in my little berg and am still in awe of all the folks that turned out. From infancy to WWII Vets - and every age in between. All together to celebrate and honor our servicemen and women for the sacrifices they give.

All the branches of the armed forces were represented - Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, and all the respective National Guard units. The faces of these men and women will remain vivid in my mind for a long, long time. They are our neighbors, brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, cousins, friends, co-workers, classmates and friends we haven't met yet. They are the ones that protect the freedoms that we enjoy today.

AND MAY GOD BLESS THEM ALL!!

One of the older veterans asked a woman, "Can you name two people in this world that would die for you?" The woman paused - apparently a little too long for the older vet's taste - so he said, "Jesus Christ and the American GI."

I was truly humbled to be among them. To see their smiles, to hear them talk with young children about what it's like to be a soldier. To watch the youngsters of today develop a desire to be a soldier tomorrow. I can't find the words to express how incredible this was.

So, in the absence of words, I'd like to share some photos with you. And as you look at the photos ... please say a prayer. For their safe return, for their families, for their children. The sacrifices are great and we owe them an extreme debt of gratitude.

The next time you see one of our defenders, please thank them for your freedom.

This man had served proudly and was a true pleasure to talk with. His stories are many and his pride unmistakable.

Young Marines - Bloodstripe and cover

The Sea Cadets practicing their flag presentation and folding.

Pride - it can't be anything else. Pride.

The Patriot Guard Riders were in attendance. What a tremendous group of people!

A special brotherhood that is not defined by age.

A HUGE flag that was unrolled by a group of active military, retired military, spouses, children and supporters. An awesome sight to see.

Thanks to Howard Pinkley of The Flag Store in Point Place for providing this breathtaking symbol of American freedom.

Members of the Vietnam Vets Motorcycle Club.

GOD BLESS US ALL! If not for these wonderful folks we would not be able to enjoy the life that we do.

Toledo, OH

Do you have leftovers? Do you save leftovers? Do you discard leftovers?

I'm talking about leftover electronics. Computers, cell phones, pda's, printers, etc.

Did you know that there are many, many, many uses for all those outdated electronic gadgets? That they are still serviceable even though, to us, they are antiquated?

Here is what I do with my leftovers:

• Cell Phones - give them to your local senior center, women's shelter or victim assistance program. The phones are stripped of all information and made available for 911 use only. This can be a true lifesaver for those that need that level of communication but can't afford to purchase a phone.
• Computers - donate them to one of your local neighborhood shelters. This allows folks to become familiar with how to use a computer and helps them develop job skills.
  
• PDAs - Check with your local prosecutors office and find where the local center for women entering the job market is. These women can use these tools to keep track of employment interviews, appointments, etc.
• Printers - Any non-profit group can use these. They should be in working order and have the installation software with them.
  

We are all concerned about our Mother - Mother Earth that is. Please don't toss electronics in the trash to wind up in one of our landfills. The mercury that lives inside so many of these items is minute as a single item, but when there are multiples filling up the ground ... well, it just makes good sense to let someone else get some use out of them.

In the words of Kermit the Frog ... It's not easy being green.

Toledo, OH

Just imagine ... it's 1887 and Toledo, Ohio is a bustling hub of commerce. There are new and exciting things taking place every day. Events that will help to shape Toledo, Ohio into a city steeped in innovative thought, progressive ideals and a well built base of the manufacturing industry.

And it's only the beginning ...

Meet Miles D. Carrington (Jan. 1, 182? - March 22, 1887). Mr. Carrington moved to Toledo, Ohio in 1854 to continue his business partnership with Theodore B. Casey. Together they opened Carrington & Casey Grain Commission House.

An excerpt from Toledo Heritage Pursuit:

In 1861, the Toledo Board of Trade was established, of which he was one of the first Directors, as he repeatedly was in subsequent years; while in 1868, and again in 1869, he was Vice President, and was the President in 1871. Upon the organization of the Produce Exchange in January, 1876, Mr. Carrington was elected as a Director, as he afterwards repeatedly was, and as President in 1880.

As you can see, Mr. Carrington was a pioneer in his own right. A true contributor to the rich history that Toledo, Ohio enjoys. A storied and fascinating history that is full of little known accomplishments and events that contributed to the growth of our country as a whole.

Now to the bittersweet part ...

In 1887, the year of Mr. Carrington's death, this beautiful Italianate mansion was built and became known as the Carrington House. A dwelling that commanded majesty and respect in the Vistula district. The Carrington House was built directly behind the Casey-Pomeroy Mansion.

The Lucas County records indicate that the Carrington House was transferred to the Catholic Diocese of Toledo in 1948. At that point this grand old home took on many roles, but for the last several (many) years it has sat vacant, boarded up and pretty much forgotten. Until now ...

The facade of the Carrington House was regal. The looming three story structure was iconic. Appointed with architectural detail so common in the late 1800s, high ceilings, arched windows, rich wood floors and handrails. But through the years this grand old home became another casualty in the Battle of Progress.

Having fulfilled a purpose, served its' owners faithfully ... it got vacated and boarded up. Mother Nature and age took its toll. Water leaked through the aging roof, the beautiful wood became rotted and unable to hold the weight of a human being. The time had come. Time to say goodbye - but not without mixed emotions.

The vacancy that is created by the loss of the Carrington House is slated to be the home of some new brownstone townhouses. The Vistula Historic Fondation has been working with a group from South Carolina that will be taking on that project. New construction that will fit into the grand architectural style of the area. I am excited to know that the loss of the Carrington House was not in vain.

These are photos of the Carrington House - some from the archives of the Toledo Lucas County Public Library, some from the Lucas County Treasurer's office, and some I took the day of demolition.

Library archive photo

A sad face. The day of demolition.

The assault of the demo crew.

Notice the glass tower of modern architecture looming in the background.

Sad ... so sad.

She was a beautiful old girl in her time. Just think of the man hours and the craftsmanship that was so necessary to construct something like this in 1887!!

Stay tuned - I hope to have a piece on the Casey-Pomeroy Mansion transformation soon!