Jim's Blog

Houston, we (might) have a problem!

Jim Dvorovy, REALTOR® Stark County, Ohio (Cutler Real Estate) — Sat, 24 May 2008 19:58:43 -0500

A REALTOR called me to today to set up a showing appointment for one of my listings. I said "Sure thing, that property if vacant, go ahead and show it!" I could sense the REALTOR didn't want to say what he was about to say. He said: "We might have a problem, as you've already showed your listing to one of my buyers that I had been working with for about a year."

Whoa!!! Hold on a minute! Richard Weisser had just put up a great blog post on how we can keep that from happening! There has been a super discussion which Richard started, and he has some new dialogue that he feels can keep this from happening. He has an excellent idea in that we are losing business because we are asking the wrong questions.You can read about it here:

http://activerain.com/blogsview/521765/This-will-change-your

Maybe if I had read Richard's post a day or two earlier, I could have saved myself from being in a predicament. Here's what happened:

I fell victim to "The Buyer's A Liar" syndrome once again during the past few days. A young lady called because of one of my yard signs requesting to see one of my listings. "Are you working with a REALTOR in any way, shape, or form?" I asked. "No" was the response. After some small talk while she introduced herself and her situation, I casually asked "Have you had a chance to speak with a mortgage loan originator to get pre-approved for a loan?" "Yes, I am pre-approved." (Instant red flag. Did she fall off a turnip truck and hit her head and jump up and say: Ouch!! I think I will get preapproved for a loan!?") I know there is a REALTOR in the background somewhere, as most buyers will never get pre-approved on their own as a first step. It was none of my business for how much she was approved for, or how recently, so as to not run afoul of the Consumer Guide requirement, I agreed to show her the property at her requested time.

I met her and her mother at the property. "Have you ever had the Consumer Guide To Agency Relationships explained?" I asked. "No, I've looked at some properties in the last year. No one has ever said anything about that. " I went over the Consumer Guide as mandated by our state requirements before we are allowed to show a prospective buyer a property or have any kind of meaningful conversatioin. Both her and her mother liked the house! They went away... my job was to see if there are any zoning issues about having four dogs inside the house on this property.

Today, one full day later, the other REALTOR called me to make an appointment to show the property. and we had the conversation as stated above, in which he stated we might have a problem.

Please, keep this in mind: the property is a very low priced property - $70,000. The majority of homes in our local market have an average selling price of about $130,000 so no biggie here.

Had I of asked Richard's question before agreeing to show the property, would I have been better off?. Since it was my listing, after having the Consumer Guide To Agency Relationships explained, that buyer, (even though having not told the truth about working with an agent in some capacity) would still have the right to be fully represented by a buyers agent . The only way I could have represented her would have been as a Dual Agent and only with her signed consent as well as that of the seller.

What would you do in this situation?

I Got Fired Today!

Jim Dvorovy, REALTOR® Stark County, Ohio (Cutler Real Estate) — Fri, 23 May 2008 11:43:14 -0500

For the first time in my life, I have been let go. Canned. Fired.

I'll have to admit, it stings. I feel a sense of hurt. Inadequacy.

For the first time in my four year real estate career, a customer with whom I had been out multiple times showing houses has decided to not work with me. I am crushed. Come to think of it, I had never ever been fired before. Or even close to it. I had always been a perfectionist. I always did my best, and it was always plenty good enough, at least for my employers.

I should have seen it coming when the customer refused to sign the Open House Guest register on the very first day we met. I should have seen it coming when the customer refused to sign the Consumer Guide To Agency Relationships on our first property showing appointment. I should have seen it coming when the customer insisted on making a verbal offer instead of a written offer. I felt the chill of the cold winds as I tried to explain why a written offer is needed. Oh, there were other circumstances that had sent up red flags, but I thought everything might turn out okay in the end. Silly me!

That customer related to me that tomorrow they will be contacting a new realtor. All my training as an ABR is down the drain. Zip. Zilch. Nada.

I think back to the several times while on floor duty a call would come into the duty desk whereby the caller was irate over a perceived mistreatment by one of the best, most courteous top agents in the office. "Whoa!" I use to wonder... How in the world would someone have a complaint against one of the best and nicest agents in the office?

Tomorrow is a new day and will bring new customers. For now, Ricky Nelson's "Garden Party" song lyrics echo in my ear: "You can't please everyone, so you've got to please yourself."

I have some solace in the fact that I was fired by a customer, and not a client. I was trying to give the very best client level service to a customer, and it was not appreciated. Oh well.....

Next!

The Great Trail - The Legend Of The Lost French Gold

Jim Dvorovy, REALTOR® Stark County, Ohio (Cutler Real Estate) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 07:09:20 -0500

Note: The legend of this treasure was first printed in the April 3, 1875 edition newspaper, The Minerva Commercial, Minerva, Ohio. (Historians differ on the exact time period. Some researchers suggest 1755, others suggest 1758. Down through the years the legend has grown, and new stories and theories have evolved. Some say it was an impending attack by Indians that triggered the burying of the gold, others say it was an impending attack by British soldiers. Historians have noted an advancing British army under General Braddock in 1755, as well as another advancing army under General Forbes in 1758.)

The story seems to begin at the French occupied Fort Duquesne, at present day Pittsburgh. Because of impending attack, the decision was made to move the French gold to safety. Some stories maintain that the safety point was Fort Detroit, other stories maintain the gold was to be taken back to France. Orders were given that ten men would accompany sixteen pack-horses carrying the load, and if trouble should arise the men were ordered to bury the treasure and mark the spot. The Tuscarora Trail, or Great Trail was the route chosen, as it was the famous thoroughfare used by the Indians and a few daring white men following a westward course in the pre-Revolutionary period.

A few days into the journey, the detail of Frenchmen sensed an attack was coming. As legend has it, they buried the gold and silver treasure at a point near the present junction of Columbiana, Stark, and Carroll County (Ohio)lines. The spot was unique in that there was a natural occurrence of three springs together in one vicinty. The men added other subtle markers at the spot such as placing a rock in the fork of a tree, and placing the shovel(s) under neath some logs. The men scattered, some accounts say 8 of them were subsequently killed. Two of the men from the detail were reportedly able to make it back to Fort Duquesne on foot after three days travel. Because it was a 3 day march, the area where the gold was buried was presumed to be in the vicinity of present day East Rochester and Minerva Ohio. Residents of the area have located the clues on the Robbins Farm, but despite generations of searching, the treasure has never been found. The the legend lives on. Ronald Maxgard, in his book The Sandy And Beaver Canal c. 1952 mentioned that a Spanish gold coin of the period covered by the treasure was found in the craw of a chicken. Of course this started the gold rush anew. Treasure hunters with modern coin finders have scoured the area in teams. There were also reports of the use of large earth moving equipment that literally changed the face of the landscape while trying to uncover the treasure.

I've been fortunate in haing been able to list some parcels of vacant land near East Rochester, Ohio. Just the thought of it being near the Great Trail brings a sense of awe and wonderment about exactly where the legendary treasure may be.

I would imagine there are many legends and stories of lost treasures and silver mines associated with every state. I would enjoy hearing about the legends in your area.

Thanks! - Jim Dvorovy

Meyers Lake Village - Condos Available!

Jim Dvorovy, REALTOR® Stark County, Ohio (Cutler Real Estate) — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 20:16:54 -0500

At any one time, there are a few condominium units available in one of the most sought after areas, the Meyers Lake Village in Canton, Ohio.

The local MLS on Saturday, April 19th shows seven active listings for condominiums for sale. Prices range from a very affordable low of $92,500 through a high of $439,000. There is literally a condo for every budget and taste.

I have taken a few more pictures of various condos and their respective associations and will be posting them to my original Meyers Lake Village slide show.

You can view the slide show by clicking on the link:

http://activerain.com/blogsview/469284/Meyers-Lake-Village-Stark

I am always looking for nice people to work with! If you are thinking of either buying or selling a condominium at Meyers Lake Village, why not give me a call?

Thanks,

Best regards,

Jim

Cell 330-685-4615

Meyers Lake Village - Stark County's Best Kept Secret

Jim Dvorovy, REALTOR® Stark County, Ohio (Cutler Real Estate) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 08:15:21 -0500

Meyers Lake! What does living on or near the water at Meyers Lake feel like? One often heard comment is: "...living here at the lake is just like being on vacation year around!"

Thousands of local residents share that same feeling while living in Meyers Lake Village as well as the general area of Meyers Lake in Canton, Ohio.

View Album

Get your own

Meyers Lake Village / Meyers Lake Preserve - A privately owned lake with a unique blend of condominiums. There are as many as eight condominium associations on or near the lake waterfront. Not all are represented with pictures in the slide show, an effort will be made to include the missing associations in the near future.

For more information about Meyers Lake Preserve, visit their official website at:

http://meyerslakepreserve.org/index.htm

For more information about available units, please give me a call!

Thanks,

Jim

Stark County, Ohio, Real Estate Market Update - April 2008

Jim Dvorovy, REALTOR® Stark County, Ohio (Cutler Real Estate) — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 19:43:39 -0500

Stark County, Ohio: Buyer's Market? or Seller's Market?

When looking at statistics for the last two quarters of 2007, average sales price decreased from the 3rd quarter to the 4th quarter. That is not too surprising, as that is what we are seeing as being true in many parts of our nation.

At the present ratio of houses on the market verses the number of houses sold during the last quarter, there is a six month supply of houses.

Since many factors are continuing to remain relatively stable, the local market here in Stark County would be categorized as being just off center in favor of buyers, enough so that it can be labeled a Buyer's Market.

Don't forget, all markets are local. Never hesitate to ask for more information if you are considering buying or selling in Stark County, Ohio. I would be more than glad to get together with you and take an in depth look at the market statistics for your neighborhood.

Thanks, and best regards.

My Buyer Needs To Be Prequalified Through Countrywide Mortgage?

Jim Dvorovy, REALTOR® Stark County, Ohio (Cutler Real Estate) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 20:39:52 -0500

Okay, I know the lending industry is working hard to not dig itself into still deeper problems than it already finds itself in. But hold on a minute... insisting that buyers be pre qualified through the seller's lender before making an offer????

HUH????

At first glance, maybe it makes sense. The lender does not want to go out on a limb in these troubled times while trying to sell their REOs.

But at second glance, where is the confidentiality for the buyer when the seller gets to find out their financial even before they are allowed to make an offer? Isn't that going a little far?

Once there is a breach in the confidentialy, it would seem that buyer's negotiation process would be compromised.

Are there any RESPA rules or regulations pertaining to this issue?

We'll probably see this spread like wildfire for the foreseeable future?

Listing Agents Employ A Buyer's Agent On Their Team?

Jim Dvorovy, REALTOR® Stark County, Ohio (Cutler Real Estate) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 10:26:51 -0500

I am seeing more and more "Team" ads where a "listing agent" is pictured as the Team Leader and takes all the listings under their own name. Also in the same ad is a picture of another team member that is a "buyer's agent" that will be representing buyers on the listing agents properties?

It seems a little strange to me, but I would suppose it is legal, or NAR would not allow it?

Shouldn't it be disclosed that the "buyer's agent" is actually a dual agent since they are a team member when it comes to working with buyers for the listing agents listings?

How can a "buyer's agent" in a team give full representation to a buyer in this scenario? I am confused.

Is The Grass Greener Online?

Jim Dvorovy, REALTOR® Stark County, Ohio (Cutler Real Estate) — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 07:55:22 -0500

Is it just me? I sit down in a favorite chair with my beverage, sit back, relax, and make ready for one of my favorite past times: reading. Take for instance the latest editions of REALTOR magazine, THIS OLD HOUSE, AAA's HOME AND AWAY. Two pages into the magazine, I see the Content page, and browse the offerings, to see what articles might be interesting. More often than not, there it is... a teaser section that invites the reader to visit the on-line edition of the magazine! I am amazed at how skillfully the editors try to drive traffic to their website. I promise myself to learn by their example and learn how to drive traffic to my own website. Who was it that said: Imitation is the best form of flattery? Maybe I can imitate their marketing expertise?

My eyes feast on the articles on-line, whoa! The on-line articles sound so much more interesting! I am almost feel compelled to put down the magazine, run to the pc, and read the on-line version. Key word in the last sentence is *almost*.

No! I need a break from the PC, I want to sit right here, and relax and enjoy my hard copy of the magazine. So, I promise myself that I will need to check out all those juicy sounding articles on-line. Uh oh! Come to think of it, I have never once followed through and viewed any of the on-line articles!

Are you starting to get the idea I must talk to myself a lot? :)

Anyways, now, I feel cheated. Do these magazines save their best articles for on-line?? Or...do the marketers have a way of making the on-line articles sound much more glitzy and exciting than the articles in the hard copy that I am holding in my hands?Are they cheating me by not having those great articles in my hard copy? I mean, after all, I paid for this one through my subscription or dues. Why shouldn't they have all the best articles here for me right now? Am I cheating myself by not going to the on-line article? Questions, questions, and more questions. I keep telling myself that I must visit and find out.

Is anyone else having these same nagging thoughts? Maybe some St. John's wort will make these nagging thoughts go away? :)

"The Definition Of Insanity Is......"

Jim Dvorovy, REALTOR® Stark County, Ohio (Cutler Real Estate) — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 08:32:53 -0500

We all know the old definition, I just read of a new one on BrokerAgentNews.com! In an article titled ZERO TOLERANCE authored by Paul Pastore, Paul gives a new definition of insanity:

"The definition of insanity is to keep the old price, the old paint, and the old carpeting, and hope for a different buyer."

Way to go, Paul!

Stark County, Ohio, Real Estate Market Update

Jim Dvorovy, REALTOR® Stark County, Ohio (Cutler Real Estate) — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 21:04:12 -0600

I heard it on the radio, so it must be true, right? The National Association Of Realtors (NAR) is running a series of radio ads in order to increase the public's perception and awareness of how and why buyers and sellers benefit by using a member of the National Association Of Realtors. In and of itself, that is a noble cause, Lord knows we sure could use some help.

In order to bolster the idea that real estate is in fact one of the best investments we could make as a way to build wealth, one of the statements the NAR is making: "On average, the price of a home doubles every ten years." Another: "Over the past 30 years, home values has risen more than 6% annually".

I am sure the keepers of the data can probably support those statements with sales price data collected and presented as fact. For the nation as a whole those figures are probably accurate.

However, if you live in Ohio, and especially Stark County, please, PLEASE don't believe that statistic applies to our area. Data collected by the Ohio Association of Realtors (OAR) shows that the increase in Ohio for property value (average sales price) has only risen about 3% per year since 1998, or roughly half the rate that NAR has been citing. Officials at OAR are asking NAR to change the language in the radio ads so as not to mislead the general public in Ohio. Should they hear these misleading ads and believe those statistics apply to our own area, of course they would be misinformed. OAR in fact points out that there has actually been a decline in the average sales price for single family residences of 2.4% for the year 2007.

In actuality, average sale prices for Stark County are even lower than the 3% average for the State. I haven't tracked the data for the years 1998 and 1999, but for the period 2000 through 2007, only two of our 21 areas that make up Stark County have had an average annual price increase of greater than 3%. Those areas being Lake/Hartville/Uniontown and Tuslaw. Several or our areas are at a paltry 1% and even lower.

The real message is that real estate statistics are local in nature. Be sure to ask your Realtor about your particular neighborhood.

For those desiring a report on their area, please email me and I would be more than happy to provide the general trend for your area.

Active Rain Has Made Me Wealthy!! YippeeeEEEEE

Jim Dvorovy, REALTOR® Stark County, Ohio (Cutler Real Estate) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 15:12:10 -0600

Hi All..... Wow!! So hard to believe, I have to pinch myself. Someone found me here on the 'Rain and has decided to share a fortune with me!!! I quote:

"Your profile made me to contact you because I was searching for a reliable and trustwordthy person who can not betray me, because I have been praying to my God to direct me to the rightful person to entrust this fund to.

There was one of our client Mr.John BRIANT, A United States Citizen Who died on 29 January 2002 in a plane crash which also claimed the life of his only child, Who untill death was the next of kin to the fathers money in our bank ECO-BANK.

I am the only director that knows his bank's information, because he use to be my good friend when he was alive,He left about (US$5.5Million)in his account.

At this juncture I want to transfer this US$5.5Million into the account you wish to nominate. I will do the paper work here claiming that you are the next of kin to this client, and that you want to transfer the sum into your account abroad."

It has been nice chatting here on ActiveRain. Now that I will soon be a multimillionaire, I dunno if I will have time to blog anymore.

======================================================

Disclaimer: this blog was submitted tongue in cheek, probably should have been either in the humor section or forwarded to the FBI? But the quotes in bold are from the email I received. lol

I am wondering how many other 'Rainers got the same email? I would enjoy hearing about it if you did.

Jim

"Looking For Leads In All The Wrong Places... I've Been Looking For Leads..."

Jim Dvorovy, REALTOR® Stark County, Ohio (Cutler Real Estate) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 08:09:30 -0600

Hey, wait a minute! Wasn't there a song that went like that? (Scratching my head trying to remember....)

An associate and I were discussing the fact that the top producers that we are watching and trying to emulate are seemingly doing literally none of the things we keep hearing that are suppose to be the latest and greatest things we should be doing.

Like blogging, for instance. They are so busy taking saleable listings and selling properties that they do not have time to blog, let alone make warm fuzzy contacts with their sphere of influence. Often times when I ask an agent if they do these things, they usually admit they think they probably should try to find out a little bit about blogging, but they just don't have time. They also admit to feeling a little bit guilty from not keeping in touch with past clients as they feel they should. They often admit they don't network like they feel they should.

Are we looking for leads in all the wrong places?

Don't Drip On Me, Please!

Jim Dvorovy, REALTOR® Stark County, Ohio (Cutler Real Estate) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 07:04:08 -0600

Golden Rule: Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You.

When someone shares an email address with me, I immediately give them my promise that not only is that address confidential to me, it will not appear on any automatically generated email lists or spam lists, and that I value their time and right to peace and privacy.

If they decide to allow me to set up any type of automatic search for properties that meet that criteria, then of course I will do it, only because they want me to.

How often have you given your business card at a networking function, only to have your email box begin filling up with loads of new drip campaign emails? aaarrRRRRRGGGGG!

If you and I have met and we have developed some sort of relationship that one of us has encouraged information from the other, than of course that is great! I do like gaining new friends, we all do. I gladly welcome that type of email, but please.....

Don't Drip On Me

The Role Of Parents As Transaction Killers

Jim Dvorovy, REALTOR® Stark County, Ohio (Cutler Real Estate) — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 20:31:04 -0600

I am wondering how other agents handle this scenario? You work with buyer(s) over a several week period. You had specifically asked them: "Is there anyone else that needs to be consulted before you make a decision to buy?" Of course the answer is always an emphatic "No!"

15 houses later, they finally settle on "the one" that they want. But lo and behold, now they get cold feet and want someone to validate their decision. Despite earlier bravado, now the parents must come and see the property, (often times both sets) before the youngsters make a final decision.

Of course the parents show up, and since they haven't seen the other 14 properties that had been dismissed, they point blank ask the children "Why would you want to buy THIS house for THIS much money?" And then invariably the parents cast that all knowing evil eye towards the buyer's agent, as if we are some kind of Benedict Arnold traitor by tyring to take advantage of the poor kids. The parents know nothing about "buyer's agents" and think the Realtor is working on behalf of the seller. Since this is the parents first trip with the kids, the buyer's agent Realtor has little chance to build rapport with the parents.

I'd like to know how other agents handle this situation?

East Canton, Ohio Market Report

Jim Dvorovy, REALTOR® Stark County, Ohio (Cutler Real Estate) — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 18:58:32 -0600

Looking at the trend for average sales price for single family residence in East Canton, Ohio for the time period of years 2000 thru 2008: When looking a the chart of selling prices, there has been a few peaks on the chart, as well as a few valleys. Growth has not been steadily and consistently upward, however there has been an overall increase. Sales price has grown at an annularized rate of about 1.5% per year. Homes sell relatively quickly in East Canton, as during 2008 the average Days On the Market was one of the lowest in the Stark County area.

Recent Visitor Widget

Jim Dvorovy, REALTOR® Stark County, Ohio (Cutler Real Estate) — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 18:22:49 -0600

I've recently installed the Recent Visitor Widget, and don't think it is activated. I am wondering if someone would visit my blog in order that I may see if it is working? Thanks in advance. I've watched video and followed all the instructions, but perhaps I have left something out that activates the boxes.

Estates Of Glenmoor

Jim Dvorovy, REALTOR® Stark County, Ohio (Cutler Real Estate) — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 22:51:46 -0600

A true golfer's paradise on the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course in Canton, Ohio. Step out of your back door, just a few steps to the #2 fairway, begin play!

Lunar Eclipse

Jim Dvorovy, REALTOR® Stark County, Ohio (Cutler Real Estate) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 21:10:36 -0600

I wonder how many people are viewing the lunar eclipse? It is 10:07 PM on Wednesday, Februrary 20th, here in Ohio, and it is a very clear cold nite. When you look at the moon with a pair of binoculars, it looks like an orange beach ball just hanging up there in the sky. What a wonder to behold! Just looking at it reminds me of just how small and inconsequential we are in the grand scheme of things. It forces me to say a silent prayer: "Thank you, God, for allowing me to behold such a wonderful sight!"

Meyers Lake Condo in Parkview Harbour

Jim Dvorovy, REALTOR® Stark County, Ohio (Cutler Real Estate) — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 21:15:11 -0600

1905 Lakeside Ave NW 44708 MLS# 1501246

Whether you want to downsize or just kick back and relax and let someone else do the maintenance, this affordable Meyers Lake condo in ParkView Harbour Condo Association is definitely one you won't want to pass up!

Realtors note: This page is underconstruction, check back often, thanks!

415 - 30th St. NW, Canton, Ohio

Jim Dvorovy, REALTOR® Stark County, Ohio (Cutler Real Estate) — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 21:02:57 -0600

You'll appreciate the eye popping architectural stone exterior that makes this oversize bungalow exude charm. Click on the picture for a virtual tour. MLS#1491644. Convenient to both Malone and Walsh College. Realtors note: This blog post is still under construction, check back often.

Click here for virtual tour

CLICK HERE for a VisualTour of this listing.

The Estates Of Glenmoor - 6344 Bertram Ave NW - A Golfer's Paradise

Jim Dvorovy, REALTOR® Stark County, Ohio (Cutler Real Estate) — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 12:58:44 -0600

Custom built brick home on the #2 fairway of Jack Nicklaus Signature course. Large open floor plan with 1st floor master walk-out/glam bath. Grand entrance 2 story foyer leads directly to 2 story great room with incredible views of the golf course. 2 story family room with 13ft. Lake Erie stone column fireplace. Custom kitchen/cherry cabinets/island. 3 car garage. MLS # 1494127

Market Reports For Stark County

Jim Dvorovy, REALTOR® Stark County, Ohio (Cutler Real Estate) — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 07:45:03 -0600

Yearly average sales prices for single family residences have remained very flat for Stark County, Ohio from the year 2000 to date. We haven't experienced rapid growth nor large decline. Of course local REALTORS belonging to the CRIS/MLS board have access to very specific Statistical Market Reports, but the information contained in those reports are Copyrighted MLS Compilations, and can only be used in specific ways.

On page 6 of the February 2008, Volume 8, Number 2 issue of Ohio Realtor is a chart of Ohio Home Prices that shows a slow and steady rise from 2000 thru 2005. Years 2006 and 2007 show slight decreases, which of course ties in with decline in selling prices we are seeing in the nation as a whole. The looming question is will 2008 continue the downward pressure or will there be a rebound?

Speaking strictly from an overall trend, Stark County as a whole has not matched the slow steady gains experienced by the state of Ohio, when charts of Yearly Average Sale Prices for the periods 2000 thru 2007 are compared. Of course the market is a very local thing, and some areas of Stark County have in fact experienced steady growth and easily match or beat the overall statistics for the state of Ohio.

Tax Time - How do you handle mileage and expenses?

Jim Dvorovy, REALTOR® Stark County, Ohio (Cutler Real Estate) — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 06:57:50 -0600

This is the time of year for a recurring dreaded event: gathering data needed for submitting to my tax accountant. Somehow there has to be a better way than working with half filled in mileage logs and trying to remember the purpose of each trip all because I was in too big a hurry when starting out. If only I could have sat in the car an extra few minutes and wrote a journal entry for each trip.

I bought one of those 12 pocket expanded file folders, one for each month, but somehow my receipts for office supplies and other sundry items can't find a way to jump in there all by themselves. They must like company, as they end up in scattered little piles here and there throughout the house.

I am wondering if anyone has good organizational methods they will share?

Thanks!

Stark County, Ohio: Slow And Steady Growth

Jim Dvorovy, REALTOR® Stark County, Ohio (Cutler Real Estate) — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 06:48:17 -0600

One of the major reasons why Stark County, Ohio is continually among the most affordable places to live in the United States is that traditionally it has been an area of slow and steady economic growth. That fact has helped isolate the region from the boom-and-bust cycles prevalent in some other parts of the country.

We just haven't had the peaks of the rest of the country, and therefore we haven't had the valleys either. Ours is not a resort type area that has attracted a lot of real estate speculation that drives prices sky high. Not having glitzy casinos or coastal properties means Stark County has more subtle pleasures.