Nancy Lohman's Real Estate Blog, Toledo Ohio Real Estate

OPEN HOUSE SEPTEMBER 6TH  2-4 PM  2927 E. LINCOLNSHIRE  $116,500

Great California Ranch. 3 bedroom, 1 bath, with a very open feel. Cathedral ceiling, newer windows, kitchen updated. Close to shopping and UT. Pleasant tree lined street, Washington local schools.

To get a full view of this home CLICK HERE.

Or call for an appointment!  419-360-4735 

Nancy Lohman  ReMax Preferred

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

STUCK IN PORT?

Imagine the Pearl Harbor attack of 1941 going unanswered . . . Many of our ships found at anchor by attacking planes went down, never to leave the harbor again. Imagine the economy floundering with interest rates at 12%, and learning that the head of "the fed" has taken a six-month, non-working vacation to Tahiti. Imagine how you would have felt on September 12, 2001 if our president had appeared on TV to tell us how sorry he was about the attacks without announcing action to protect us in the future.

We expect our nation's leaders to act in times of crisis, don't we? But - what do we expect of ourselves when a family crisis arises, our sales flounder, or we notice the numbers on our scale beginning to creep upward to uncomfortable levels? Do we set sail, or lie at anchor hoping "someone" will do "something?"

Babe Ruth sailed against the wind more often than with it. He is remembered for his home runs - 714 of them - yet he struck out 1,330 times in his career. Best of all, he set sail and got out of the harbor (took his bat to the plate) 8,399 times. Had he stayed safely in the dugout, he could have avoided all those strikeouts.

So - what about you? Having difficulty setting sail lately? Perhaps it's time to give your engine a little maintenance, or take out a needle and thread to repair torn sails. You may also want to pull out your map to redefine the direction you'll be taking in coming months.

If you've been spending too much time at the "Captain's Table" and not enough time on the bridge with the wheel in your hand, perhaps some planning now will send you full speed ahead out of the harbor and with some exotic port of call in sight. Bon Voyage!

This inspirational moment is brought to you by The Lohman Team - Re/Max Preferred.  It would be our pleasure to help you with your real estate needs. Whether you have a home to sell, or are looking for that special home to buy or both. We serve the entire Toledo Area including; Sylvania, Maumee, Holland, Perrysburg, Whitehouse, Waterville, Monclova, and Swanton. Ask us bout the $8,000 tax refund.

We have and use all the tools necessary to meet your needs. Call us today. 

Nancy Lohman  419-360-4735       Bob Lohman   419-360-4437

Nancy Stemmle  419-867-3898     Bert Spangenthal  419-346-1458

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

GO RETRO - SIMPLIFY!

You've heard that it's good to "take time to smell the roses." You may have also read how Steven Covey encourages you in "Seven Habits" to take time to "sharpen the saw." You no doubt have also experienced the frustration of trying to find even a spare moment for yourself.

Why do so many sources advise taking time off for yourself for thoughtful introspection? Don't they know it's impossible in today's fast-paced world of money, soccer games, career challenges, family responsibilities, church & school activities, and so much more?

In fact, our society is totally preoccupied with all of the above. For those living in a big city, or even the suburbs, the pressure is even greater. Those who live in the country at least enjoy a little peace and serenity at the end of the day.

How did this happen? It's simple - or at least it was in the 1950's. Back then there were two kinds of soap - Lifebouy and Ivory. There were four automakers - GM, Ford, Chrysler, and American Motors. There were no computers or Internet, and long-distance was used only to inform relatives of illness or death. A schoolteacher's most serious behavior challenge was passing notes in class. Families watched "I Love Lucy!" together. There was no MTV. Divorces were rare.

Today the choices that face us each day are awesome. Which of many Internet providers or long-distance services should you use? Which cell phone or notebook computer should you have? Where will you find the money for the special dress, chauffeur, and professional photograph required for your daughter's fifth-grade "Prom"?

The world is spinning so fast, and isn't likely to slow down soon. As usual, relief must come from within. While you can't change the world's pace, you are free to change and simplify your own life. Simplify, simplify, simplify. Most importantly, take time to create those special moments that "take your breath away."

This inspirational moment is brought to you by The Lohman Team - Re/Max Preferred.  It would be our pleasure to help you with your real estate needs. Whether you have a home to sell, or are looking for that special home to buy or both. We serve the entire Toledo Area including; Sylvania, Maumee, Holland, Perrysburg, Whitehouse, Waterville, Monclova, and Swanton. Ask us bout the $8,000 tax refund.

We have and use all the tools necessary to meet your needs. Call us today. 

Nancy Lohman  419-360-4735       Bob Lohman   419-360-4437

Nancy Stemmle  419-867-3898     Bert Spangenthal  419-346-1458

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

YOU CAN'T HIDE!

In an old "Peanuts" comic strip, Snoopy sits listening to Linus and Charlie Brown having a conversation. Linus asks Charlie, "Do you ever feel like running away?" Charlie answers, "Of course . . . sometimes I feel like I want to run away from everything." In the next panel, Snoopy is seen considering their conversation as he thinks to himself, "I remember having that feeling once when I was at the Daisy Hill Puppy Farm. I climbed over the fence, but I was still in the world."

If you've ever tried climbing "over the fence," a.k.a. getting away from it all, you undoubtedly also realized that you were "still in the world." It's actually quite difficult to get away from yourself, isn't it? The good news is - there's no need to.

The phrase "You have no problems, you only think you do," carries the solution. No matter what you consider a problem, it's really the way it affects you that is your concern. If someone has been short with you and you feel hurt, you might try running away from the hurt. If you do, you'll find that the feeling of hurt goes with you. Only when you stop, plant your feet, and say, "I'm not going to feel hurt," will the problem go away. In other words, it's not you that needs to go away, but the concern itself, and you are the one to send it packing.

Remember when Dorothy ran away to the Land of Oz? Her problems only multiplied. She was chased by a witch and strange flying monkeys. Her mind conjured up a Tin Man, a Scarecrow, and a Cowardly Lion to help her. Her imagination led her down a Yellow Brick Road in search of a Wizard who wasn't a wizard at all. Consider what great lengths she went to in order to solve her problems. Yet, only when she confronted the Wizard face-to-face did she realize there "was no place like home."

The next time you have the urge to run away, leave your "ruby slippers" behind. Just sit down face to face with your "Auntie Em." You'll be amazed at the outcome.

First time home buyers the count down has started for the Nov 30 deadline. The Lohman Team would love to help you with your real estate needs.  We serve the entire Toledo Ohio area, inclucing; Sylvania, Holland,Maumee, Perrysburg, Monclova, Whitehouse, Waterville, and Swanton.

Nancy Lohman 419-360-4735   Bob Lohman 419-360-4437

Nancy Stemmle 419-867-3898  Bert Spangenthal 419-346-1458

TURN ON THE LIGHT!

Ever felt crippled by fear? Perhaps you dread that unwanted phone call, that knock on the door, or the return of pain. What makes it worse is your imagination. Your mind conjures up all sorts of imaginary shadows on the wall or things that go bump in the night.

Remember when you were just a kid? You saw those shadows on the wall and cried out in fear. Your mom or dad came in, turned on the light, and "Voila!" - no more shadows on the wall. Simply by exposing your fear to light you learned to overcome your fear.

Now you're an adult and your fears are different, more complex, yet most are still conjured up by your imagination. Fear of the unknown holds you in its grip. Where is the light that used to save you?

The light is still there - with one difference. Now, as the adult that you are, you must be the one to turn on the light. It is up to you to expose the fear for what it usually is - a figment of your imagination. Fear is most easily overcome through exposure. Take time alone to examine your fears, determine their origin, and overcome their crippling effect on you.

If you suffer from a health problem, get a diagnosis and begin a treatment plan. If creditors are calling, face them, and then determine how you allowed yourself into the present situation. If sales are down, adjust your marketing approach.

It takes faith on your part to know you have the power to overcome your fears. Hence another quote: "Fear knocked at the door. Faith answered. No one was there."

The Lohman Team is here to help through this changing market.  Whether you are selling your home or buying or both, give us a call. We are here to help.

We serve the greater Toledo Area, using the best internet market available, short sales, foreclosures, we can help.  Nancy Lohman 419-360-4735  Bob Lohman 419-360-4437   Bert Spangenthal  419-346-1458  Nancy Stemmle  419-867-3898  The Lohman Team

RISE TO THE OCCASION!

In 1926, George Clason introduced a series of pamphlets on thrift and financial success which were widely distributed by banks and insurance companies. He used fables, set in ancient Babylon, to make his points. The most famous of them, "The Richest Man in Babylon," is familiar to millions.

In the story was a very rich man named Arkad. Arkad was generous with all and spent liberally, yet he grew wealthier with each passing year. A group of friends from his youth approached him, asking how he had amassed such wealth while they lived a lifestyle of mere subsistence. His answer was, "If you have not acquired more than a bare existence in the years since we were youths, it is because you have either failed to learn the laws that govern the building of wealth, or else you do not observe them." The pamphlet then goes on to explain the "Seven Cures For a Lean Purse."

So, who are you most like - Arkad . . . or his friends? If you know and practice Arkad's teachings, your primary obligation now is to teach your children, and their children. If you have not been so fortunate as to learn the "laws" and practice them, take heart. It is not too late.

In simple terms, "spend less than you earn" is the critical element that produces wealth. It also requires self-discipline, learned behavior, persistence, wisdom, knowledge, integrity, and more. But, hey, why rewrite the book here when you can just order the paperback online? It's an easy read packed with simple to follow steps to financial independence. If you're tired of the stress, worry, and frustration of never having enough, try giving this book a read!

The Lohman Team would love to help you with your real estate needs.  We serve the entire Toledo Ohio area, inclucing; Sylvania, Holland,Maumee, Perrysburg, Monclova, Whitehouse, Waterville, and Swanton.

Nancy Lohman 419-360-4735   Bob Lohman 419-360-4437

Nancy Stemmle 419-867-3898  Bert Spangenthal 419-346-1458

We will either find a way, or make one."

ARE YOU A MARKET MAKER?

From well-known author Napoleon Hill ("Think & Grow Rich") comes this story about Napoleon Bonaparte. It seems that he was called the "100,000 man" because despite the size of his army, it seemed to the enemy that he had 100,000 men going into battle with him every time. Just before one successful battle, Napoleon called his officers to discuss the impending clash. One of them told him the battle would have to be delayed because "the conditions were not just right." Napoleon's answer was, "The conditions are not right? I MAKE the conditions - ATTACK! ATTACK! ATTACK!"

Napoleon, you see, was a "market maker" - someone who created the situations required to be successful. He was proactive rather than reactive. He acted upon others, instead of re-acting to them.

No matter what your objectives, your success is as close as your ability to act upon your "market." In business, that means choosing to cause others to be attracted to you, rather than waiting for them to call. In your personal life, it means acting upon your family and loved-ones in such a way that peace, harmony, and love are the result.

Want to lose weight, have more energy, enjoy greater stamina? Maybe it's time to act upon your own body. That can mean grocery shopping for fruit and nuts rather than snacks and sodas. It can mean treating your body to a brisk walk or strength training rather than more TV (and snacks & sodas).

As has been said many times, "Think you can, think you can't - either way, you're right." It's your choice: financial success or failure, stressful living or family peace, low blood pressure and trim body or . . . well, you get the picture.

It's not necessary to suddenly become a human dynamo. Choose to act in favor of small changes at first. Watch what happens. For every action, you will see an "equal and opposite reaction." Try delivering a cheerful "Good morning!" to the first person you meet today. Chances are they'll return the gesture with a smile. Go ahead, make your day happen the way you've imagined it!

The Lohman Team is continually trying to learn new and better ways to help the people we work for in this trying market. Call us for any of your real estate needs.

Nancy Lohman 419-360-4735   Bob Lohman  419-360-4437

Nancy Stemmle 419-867-3898  Bert Spangenthal  419-346-1458

www.nancylohman.com  website

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

LIGHTEN UP!

Ever feel yourself getting perturbed by something that happens during your day? Ever have the urge to say something about it, when silence might be the best approach? Perhaps you feel the need to make a judgment about each situation that arises

Maybe it's time to slow down a bit. As the song says, "Don't worry - be happy!" The truth is - none of us have the right to judge others, nor their actions. We can control only one thing - our own actions. If there is something to be judged, it would be our reaction to things that happen, not the events themselves.

In Stephen Covey's "Seven Habits," Habit #5 says, "Seek first to understand, then to be understood." In explaining, Covey states that "People do not see the world as it is; they see it as they are - or as they have been conditioned to be." He goes on to make the simple statement that "When you understand, you don't judge."

Once you take the time to understand each situation, there is no longer a need to judge. Interestingly, when others realize that you no longer make those judgments, you will find that they no longer judge you either.

Want to free yourself from being disturbed about the events of the day? Just follow the advice of Epictetus, who said, "When considering the future, remember that all situations unfold as they do regardless of how we feel about them. Our hopes and fears sway us, not events themselves."

Why hire a single Toledo Area real estate agent to help you buy or sell a home when for the same price you can have one of the most professional real estate teams available.

Nancy Lohman and the Lohman Team of Re/Max Preferred Associates are dedicated to customer service and to the real estate profession.  The Team consists of 4 agents that have many years of experience. We have perfected our virtual office capabilities so that all of our team is communicating and working toward the same common goal of customer satisfaction for all our clients whether you are a buyer or seller.

Nancy Lohman 419-360-4735      Bob Lohman  419-360-4437

Nancy Stemmle 419-869-3898    Bert Spangenthal   419-346-1458

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

A NEW DIRECTION!

So . . . you've done all those things the greatest minds have suggested - you've planned your life's objectives and created a career/life/family path, and have no doubt where it will lead you. You're on your own "Yellow Brick Road" to happiness and prosperity until . . . ZAP! . . . there appears a sign on the path that reads, "Road Closed."

You peer past the sign to determine the road condition. It looks OK, so you veer around the sign and continue. The road turns to gravel, then dirt, then narrows to a walking path. You leave the car, and continue on foot. Soon your arms are scratched by briars, you begin to tire, and the path abruptly ends at a sheer 200' cliff. Your trip is over. There are no more "yellow bricks" to follow. What now?

If you've ever come to the end of such a road in your life, you well know the sinking feeling that came over you. No matter how much you felt like giving up, the situation was no doubt resolved by creating a new road, a new path leading in an entirely different direction.

You may have had to hack at the briars, trim back the trees, and even bulldoze your way in a new direction. It may have taken time, with compass and hiking shoes, to blaze that new trail. It may have been exhausting work, but in the end you reached your destination.

You have two choices when faced with a roadblock. You can quit, or you can put your imagination to work finding an alternate route. In the words of Sir Winston Churchill "Never give up. Never give up."

For all your real estate needs call The Lohman Team, ReMax Preferred

Nancy Lohman  419-360-4735   Bob Lohman 419-360-4437

Nancy Stemmle 419-867-3898  Bert Spangenthal  419-346-1458

www.nancylohman.com   website

Consumer confidence falls in June.

I recently saw this article in the Toledo Blade about the slowing real estate market in Toledo, and I am going to quote a few lines from it.

Jun 30, 12:06 PM EDT

Though a housing rebound is far away, the Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller index of 20 major cities tumbled by 18.1 percent, the third consecutive month the decline was not a record. And yearly losses in 13 metros improved compared to March.

The 20-city index is off almost 33 percent from its peak in the second quarter of 2006, which means home values are now around 2003 levels. The 10-city index fell 18 percent from the year before.

By ANNE D'INNOCENZIO
AP Retail Writer

You can read the entire article by clicking this link.

As many people know this is happening all over Toledo.  It is very hard for home sellers to believe that this is actually happening to their home values.  These are very trying times. In many areas of the country housing values have always had big swings up and down. However, in Toledo, Ohio we have always had a very slow increase in property values. Our lows have never been very low and the highs never very high. This is the first time for our homeowners in Toledo to really feel a decrease in value.  It is a very hard pill to swallow. 

Now the Lucas County Auditors office is about the business of re-evaluating our property values. Here is a portion of an article on their website. 

AUDITOR SETS NEW VALUES FOR 2009

This year, the Auditor's office is required under the law to issue a new value for your property. This process is referred to as a Triennial Update, which occurs three years after a Revaluation (2006). Under the law, we review the market sales that have occurred over the past three years (2006, 2007, and 2008, with emphasis on 2008 sales).

You can read the entire article by clicking this link.

Notices will be sent out to Home Owners in Lucas County. 

The reason I am blogging about this situation is that myself and all the Realtors in the city are living with this everyday.  We talk to people everyday trying to explain why their home is not worth what they think.  So many have taken equity lines of credit against their mortgages and now they are "upside down".  Some are going into Foreclosure and some are able to sell Short of what they owe in a "short sale".

It may take some time before things start to get better.  Right now the area home prices are a moving target.  And right now that target is still moving down.  If you are selling you need to be better than the hundreds of other homes on the market.

If you have to have your home on the market, try to be realistic.  Hopefully you will make up the difference in the possible low price you get on the home you move to.

The Lohman Team ReMax Preferred Associates would be happy to talk to you about your real estate needs.

www.nancylohman.com  website

Nancy Lohman 419-360-4735    Bob Lohman  419-360-4437

Nancy Stemmle 419-867-3898   Bert Spangenthal  419-346-1458