Akron, OH

What a welcoming sight here in Portage Lakes, Ohio!
The fall color of these maple trees along the driveway
to the VanDevere farm are the last color of the
season. Portage Lakes is a great place to enjoy the
fall season with the lake as a back drop. The fall will
gently turn to winter when we will eventually see the
lake take a different look as the temperatures drop and
the shimmering waters turn to ice. The skaters will be
out and the snow mobilers will buzz over the ice in
search of a warm place to share a meal and a drink
in one of the cozy establishments along Portage Lakes.
Come out and visit Portage Lakes, you will want to
stay for the lifestyle!!!

The Goodyear Blimp is a common
sight in the skies over Akron, Ohio.
Portage Lakes sees the blimp often
because they cruise over the lakes
and the Firestone Country Club
during golf tournaments! No matter
how many times you see the blimp
you still get as giddy as a school kid
when you see that familiar airship!

The University of Akron men's soccer team has been one of the most productive programs at the university since its inaugural season in 1955. No other program has been ranked among the nation's best at the university through its history. Yes, there have been spurts of greatness at the university among over the years:

John Heisman led the Zip's football team to a 12-6 victory over Ohio State in 1896.

Bob Huggins led the Zip's basketball program to several 20 game win seasons

The men's basketball team played in the NCAA tournament and ran into Earl "the Pearl" Monroe as they lost to Winston Salem.

The football team made a played in the Grantland Rice Bowl in 1968 only to be picked apart by a little known quarterback (at that time) by the name of Terry Bradshaw. Of course four super bowl rings later and an illustrious career with the Pittsburg Steelers, everyone knows who Terry Bradshaw is today.

Other sports have had some great accomplishments also. A fraternity brother of mine was part of the University's bowling team that won the national championship in 1968 and the women's program has posted numerous starling seasons over the years.

The men's soccer team, however has been consistently regarded as one of the nation's best programs and has made 23 NCAA Tournament appearance including seven of the last eight seasons.

As the Head Soccer Coach at Cuyahoga Falls High School in the 70s and 80s I was proud to have one of my players (David Wells) recruited and selected to play for The University of Akron. I watched my young student start every game for The University of Akron from 1986 - 1990 and compete in the National Championship game in Tacoma, Washington during his freshman year.

The University of Akron is considered to be an elite program on the national level and have been near the top of the national rankings for several years. They were the first Mid-American conference team in any sport to achieve a No. 1 national ranking in 2005. They are currently ranked No. 1 nationally and are 19-0 to date. Their 19 wins represents the fifth longest winning streak during a single season in NCAA history as well as a school record for victories.

Those of us who have followed Akron soccer closely over the years are watching intently and hoping that the men's soccer team will bring home a national championship this year. As the top ranked soccer team in the country, The University of Akron has long made its school and followers proud.

Best wishes to coach Caleb Parker and the men's soccer team as they pursue a national championship. Go Zips!

Want to Buy a Real Estate Short Sale?

When lenders agree to do a Short Sale in Real Estate, it means the lender is accepting less than the total amount due on a mortgage or note.

This can be great for a buyer looking for a deal but comes with its share of problems as well.

1. First of all, not all lenders agree to accept Short Sales and not all buyers will qualify. (Your pre-approval letter will go a long way here.)
2. Just because it's a short sale does not necessarily mean it's a good deal. You still have to do your "due diligence." Check comparable sales in your market. Don't' go by list prices. You need to see what similar homes have sold for in the neighborhood.
3. It is important in any real estate transaction to have proper representation. Remember, the listing agent represents the seller. Real estate commissions are generally paid by the seller so why not have a professional on your side - especially on a Short Sale.
4. Make sure you make your offer contingent on the Short Sale being approved by the lender within a reasonable time frame. --You don't want to wait around for weeks to find out that the lender won't approve your offer --but you don't want your offer to "die on the table" before the lender has had a chance to read it either.
5. There is a good chance there will be more than 1 offer presented to the lender so make sure you do your homework and send a qualified offer. Low ball offers may sound great, but a well thought out offer will have a better chance of being accepted.
6. ALWAYS perform a professional home inspection. Even though the Short Sale lender will probably require an "as is" sale - you still need to know what repairs will be required and how much more it will cost to maintain the home. It may save you $1000's in the long run.

Just a note: I am a REALTOR®, not an attorney, cpa or financial specialist. Writing or accepting an offer on a home is a potentially binding contract and buying a short sale takes extra care and diligence. When in doubt ALWAYS consult the appropriate professional.

World War 1 ended at the 11^th hour on the 11^th Day of the 11^thmonth in 1918. Germany signed an armistice agreement with the Allies in a railroad car just outside Compiegne, France on November 11, 1918. Check out the listing of community events, click on the link for additional information about the event.

Thank you Veterans for your service to our great country!