Defiance, Ohio Real Estate

FORECLOSURES...RISK vs. REWARD: PART I

Scott Williams -Agent, Defiance Ohio Real Estate (Butler Mohr GMAC Real Estate) — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 18:29:47 -0500

Foreclosures...Risk vs. Reward: Part I

Foreclosures... you've seen them by the hundreds each and every week appearing on the national news outlets and the Defiance county sheriff's auction site. You've also heard exciting stories from late night infomercials and the typical friend of a friend who got a great deal, but are foreclosures really the bargain that we perceive them to be? This week's article is the first of a two part series on foreclosures. This week, I will lay out some of the basic facts about buying foreclosed properties at auction and, address a few of the most common misconceptions.

Each month in Defiance county there are several properties auctioned off on the sheriff's steps. In fact, at the time of this writing, the sheriff's website has eleven properties to be auctioned off in just the next two weeks.

The first thing that must be understood, is these properties can be bought at the sheriff's auction, but most likely not for the 2/3rds appraised value. It's true, if someone wanted to purchase one of these properties at the auction they can do so but, the property will most likely be bought back by the lender who is holding the loan on the property no matter what the sheriff's appraised value is on it or the 2/3^rds amount is. This is because the lender is trying to protect their interest in the property. For example, if the home has an appraised value of $50,000 but there is a mortgage of $55,000 on it then the bank is most likely going to bid up to $55,000. If however, the same property only has a mortgage on it of $30,000 then the lender will only bid up to that amount. In either scenario whoever bids highest will get it. Through thorough research potential buyers can discover what is owed on the property, as well as, any liens that may be on it. Thus, discovering what kind of a deal might be made.

Secondly, you must understand the requirements and risk factors in order to buy a home at auction. One must have everything in place to follow through with the purchase. For instance, the purchase cannot be contingent upon getting a loan, getting an inspection or contingent upon the buyer selling their home. The buyer must be willing to purchase the home "As-Is" without inspecting it first and then have the resources available to purchase it. This is very important to remember as the home comes with no warranties, comes with only a sheriff's deed and the purchaser is not allowed to inspect the property prior to bidding.

Through proper research, knowledge and ability to meet the purchasing requirements and a good understanding of the risk factors one can find some great purchasing opportunities at sheriff's auctions. But, a miscalculation in just one of these areas can result in tragic financial consequences for a purchaser. These are just a few of the different nuances that one faces in the purchase of property at a sheriff's auction. If you are someone who enjoys higher risk challenges, then buying a home at a foreclosure auction can be perfect for you. If, however you're not, then waiting for the home to enter into the general housing market may be a better choice for you to consider.

Next week, in part two of this two part series, I will write about what typically happens to a property when it fails to sell at auction, returns to the lender and then becomes available on the open market. Until then, happy home searching.

Scott M. Williams is a licensed Realtor® at Butler Mohr GMAC Real Estate in Defiance, Ohio. He can be contacted at:

Scott@butlermohr.com or 419-438-1165

www.DefianceAreaHomes.com

FREE MONEY for Defiance, Ohio Homebuyers

Scott Williams -Agent, Defiance Ohio Real Estate (Butler Mohr GMAC Real Estate) — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 15:33:57 -0500

Have you ever put on a pair of jeans after washing them and found a dollar or two crumpled up in the pocket? Everybody loves to find money. Now, think what it would be like to find $5,000 in your pocket. That's exactly what is happening right now in the Defiance area, as several of our local banks have received grant funds called Welcome Home funds, to disperse locally in order to assist people in buying homes. That's right, right now homebuyers can get up to $5000 free to help in the purchase of their home.

According to the information given to me by Ryan Frederick at Sherwood State Bank, there are a few eligibility requirements that one must meet in order to receive the funds. First of all, the homebuyer is limited in how much income that he or she makes which is adjusted for family size. Second, the homebuyer must contribute at least $500 of their own funds towards down payment and closing costs, but allows $300 of that amount to be a gift from other sources. Third, the buyer must have reasonable credit to obtain a home mortgage. There is a fourth requirement but, that affects first-time time homebuyers only, as they must complete a homebuyer-counseling program.

Not only does the homebuyer have eligibility requirements, but also the property. There are two main requirements for the property. First, the property being purchased must be used as the buyer's primary residence and second, it must be subject to a legally enforceable restriction in the warranty deed. This second requirement means that if the property is sold or refinanced within 5 years of purchase, then a prorated amount of the grant must be returned to the fund. However, if the buyers do not sell it or refinance it within the 5-year period, they don't ever have to pay it back.

There are a few little nuances that I did not discuss here, but as you can see by the brief description of this program this is truly a great opportunity for homebuyers to take advantage of right now. Don't put the money back in your pocket and hope to find it again someday as one of the most important things to remember about these funds is that they are on a first come first serve basis and once they are gone, they're gone! Contact me if you'd like to take advantage of this great program.

Scott M. Williams is a licensed Realtor® at Butler Mohr GMAC Real Estate in Defiance, Ohio. He can be contacted at: Scott@butlermohr.com or 419-438-1165

www.DefianceAreaHomes.com

Defiance, Ohio Is Under Construction

Scott Williams -Agent, Defiance Ohio Real Estate (Butler Mohr GMAC Real Estate) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 19:50:22 -0500

If you haven't been downtown lately, you are in for some challenges as each week they continue to work on the sewer project. Today they had Second Street shut down right in front of the court house.

If you haven't been to Defiance before you'll know that Second Street is a major road in town as it's the main passage to the east side of town. When I happened to be there, I saw a semi trying to navigate down there and I have to say that I'm glad I wasn't driving it.

We'll make the best of it as it's going to make Defiance even better than it is.

Until next time.

Scott

Defiance Ohio Weather This Week

Scott Williams -Agent, Defiance Ohio Real Estate (Butler Mohr GMAC Real Estate) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 19:12:56 -0500

I'm So excited as I just saw the coming week's forecast. It looks sunny, 70's and clear.

I definitely was born in the wrong part of the country as I've never really enjoyed the cold. My parents are both from Mississippi, yet I was born and raised just south of Chicago.

After they retired, my parents moved back down south to the warmth. It's in my blood, but I'm up here in northwestern Ohio.

Loving The Sunshine!

Scott

Have You Looked At the Defiance Ohio Market Lately?

Scott Williams -Agent, Defiance Ohio Real Estate (Butler Mohr GMAC Real Estate) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 21:17:38 -0500

It has been exciting as of late as I've started seeing a lot more activity in the Defiance Area market. I attribute the activity mostly to the good weather we've had lately and the inventory of homes that are available in this market.

I wrote a post a few posts back that tell of how the market is doing here and am encouraged by where the market is heading.

Foreclosures are still an issue here in Defiance, but they are creating some great buying opportunities for those who are prepared to buy.

If you've been considering selling your home, then this is really the time to get it on the market as people are looking and making offers. An agent in my office just sold the same house 3 times this week! The first two contracts fell apart, but the third one should get it done.

I guess that's it for now. Catch up with ya again soon.

Scott

Scott Williams
www.DefianceAreaHomes.com

Scott@butlermohr.com

New Listing: 2119 Shawnee Dr. Defiance, OH 43512

Scott Williams -Agent, Defiance Ohio Real Estate (Butler Mohr GMAC Real Estate) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 19:17:21 -0500

Contact Me Today!

www.DefianceAreaHomes.com Scott@Butlermohr.com

Defiance Ohio March 2008 Market Statistics

Scott Williams -Agent, Defiance Ohio Real Estate (Butler Mohr GMAC Real Estate) — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 15:25:46 -0500

March Housing Statistics

If you've thought of buying or selling a home in the Defiance area, you have probably wondered what the housing market was doing here in comparison to the national market statistics. So, each month I will be bringing you the Defiance area's housing statistics to keep you abreast of what is going on, where the market has been and where it's heading. Hopefully, by doing so, you will be better informed when you step into the home buying or selling process and have a better idea of what to expect.

As for March, it was a steady month for the Defiance housing market as its residents were starting to stretch their legs out a little. Warmer weather, promise of summer coming and steady house prices are beginning to attract buyers. With the snow finally gone, buyers are now able to get a better view of what each property has to offer without having to guess what was under the it. This is good news for seller's as it means showings should increase on their properties and hopefully, so will the offers.

As of March 31^st, there were 210 single-family properties for sale in Defiance of which 39 of those were new listings. There were 11 properties that were contingent upon some factor such as inspections, financing or sale of their home. 8 homes were pending and heading toward closing while 17 properties sold at an average sales price of $106,533 and were on the market an average of 101 days. The average days on the market showed the greatest improvement as it dropped from February's average of 117 days on the market. This average should continue to decrease as we go through April and head into the summer months.

We are starting to get a little better picture of what the year holds for the Defiance area market as this first quarter has come to an end. The year-to-date statistics show that there have been 53 sales so far this year at an average sale price of $103,568 while being on the market for an average of 114 days. Compared to the first quarter last year, it's a mixed message. There were 66 sales in the first quarter last year, 13 more than this year's, however, the average days on the market was higher at 131 while the average sale price was virtually unchanged at $103,878. What this information points to is the current inventory of houses should start moving a little quicker. This, together with the consistently low mortgage rates, should begin to thin the current inventory levels while pressuring the prices of home to rise. This is particularly good for home sellers as it has the potential to produce better prices for their homes. As for buyers, this means that if you have been considering a home, now might be the best time to find one.

The Defiance area real estate market continues to hold lots of promise as it shows strength and resilience while other national area markets are not. If you are considering buying or selling a home in the Defiance market continue to do your homework, watch for next week's article, ask lots of questions and your potential for success will be great.

Scott M. Williams is a licensed Realtor® at Butler Mohr GMAC Real Estate in Defiance, Ohio. He can be contacted at: Scott@butlermohr.com or 419-438-1165

http://www.defianceareahomes.com/

(Statistics derived from MLS areas Defiance, Defiance Township, Ayersville Area and NE Defiance County)

Getting Your Home Ready To Sell This Spring

Scott Williams -Agent, Defiance Ohio Real Estate (Butler Mohr GMAC Real Estate) — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 22:50:15 -0500

I saw my first Robin yesterday as I was driving down North Clinton St. and was finally convinced that spring was in deed here despite the recent snow.

With the arrival of spring, I'm reminded that the spring housing market has arrived and many people are considering placing their home on the market to get it sold by the time schools get out for summer vacation.

With that in mind, I decided, this week, that I would share a few tips to help you get your house in shape so that it will be better prepared for when you do place it on the market.

Spring is a great time of year to begin the process of clearing out unwanted items that you have collected over the years. You should consider getting rid of any items you have not used over the past 12 months. This is especially true of unused children's toys or clothes you or your children have outgrown or don't wear anymore.

You can take many of the items you have stashed around the house and recycle them. Old magazines and books can be offered to hospitals, schools, nursing homes or even day care centers. Newspapers, plastics and metals can all be recycled and some even for cash.

You should throw away any items that are broken or worn-out as they most likely are not worth anything. Begin disposing of expired medications by flushing them down the toilet. If you have paints, chemicals or other toxic materials you should call the local recycling facility to find out how to dispose of them properly.

Items such as clothes, appliances, furniture and accessories can be easily turned into cash by simply holding a weekend garage or yard sale. Consider selling some of those items in the classifieds or on an online auction site. If your tax burden was a little heavy this year, maybe you should consider donating those items to one of many charitable organizations in town that accept material donations and get the nice tax deductions. Some of those organizations even pick up your donations.

Whether you're considering selling your home or not this spring, getting rid of all that clutter is a great idea. Doing so, will make your home feel and look cleaner and larger. You and your potential buyers will be able to recognize what your home has to offer not just what it holds. You may be able to put a little cash in your pocket, save on your taxes, help out your neighbors in need and even help preserve our planet. So, spring into action and get rid of that stuff. You will be pleasantly surprised by all the benefits you gain, especially the greater potential of getting your house sold.

Scott M. Williams is a licensed Realtor® at Butler Mohr GMAC Real Estate in Defiance, Ohio. He can be contacted at: Scott@butlermohr.com or 419-438-1165

SEE WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH DEFIANCE AREA REAL ESTATE

Scott Williams -Agent, Defiance Ohio Real Estate (Butler Mohr GMAC Real Estate) — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 15:12:40 -0500

See What's Happening with Defiance Area Real Estate

Maybe you've heard the doom and gloom the national media has been spouting lately about the real estate market and how poorly it is doing. It's true that the market has taken some hits lately, but our local market has not shouldered the burden near as much as other national markets have. To make a point, I decided to take a look back at the past two years of sales in the Defiance market and see what kind of changes we have had.

According to the local multiple listing service, in 2006 there were 365 properties sold in the Defiance market or an average of one per day. Those properties sold for an average price of $119,329 and spent an average of 118 days on the market.

In 2007 the market dipped slightly as 329 properties were sold, or an average of 27.42 per month, for an average price of $113,412 and spent an average of 119 days on the market. So far the first two months of 2008 there have been 36 properties sold for an average price of $108,189 with an average days on the market of 118. See the chart below to see the changes.

Number of Sales	365	329	36
Avg. List Price	123,239	118,290	111576
Avg. Sale Price	119,329	113,412	104919
Avg. Days on Market	118	119	118
Year	2006	2007	Jan-Feb 2008

It's interesting to note that we have had a slight dip in the real estate activity since 2006, but the margin of change has been minimal in our area. It has not been near the same type of dip that many parts of our country are facing. What this means for the people in our area, is that with the still low interest rates and the adjusting average home prices, that there are some great deals available for someone wanting to purchase a home in our area. It also means that home sellers who are willing to look at price their home appropriately to it's value are still getting their homes sold in a reasonable amount of time.

So, if you have been thinking of buying or selling a home this spring in the Defiance area but, have been concerned about all the negative reports coming across the news lately, be rest assured that homes in our area are still being bought and sold everyday.

(Statistics derived from MLS areas Defiance, Defiance Township, Ayersville Area and NE Defiance County)

Scott Williams is a Licensed Realtor® with Butler Mohr GMAC Real Estate and can be contacted at Scott@butlermohr.com or through his website: http://www.defianceareahomes.com/

CAUGHT WITHOUT A HOME WARRANTY!

Scott Williams -Agent, Defiance Ohio Real Estate (Butler Mohr GMAC Real Estate) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:45:39 -0500

As a real estate agent, I discuss with all my clients the benefits of getting a home warranty for the home they are either purchasing or selling. I do so because of the security that it gives the clients if anything were to go wrong either while they are selling or in their new home.

Well, I should have listened to myself when listing my own home. As I mentioned in my last post, I listed my personal residence yesterday. Wouldn't you know it, 4 hours later, my washing machine DIED!

I said to myself, everything is fine with my house, I've fixed it all or it's been ok. Nope. I now have to go and buy a new washer tomorrow.

I guess that's a new example to tell my clients. Isn't it wonderful to have new examples to use each week!

Have fun and encourage those Home Warranties!

Scott

Relating with Sellers: I Just Listed My Personal Residence

Scott Williams -Agent, Defiance Ohio Real Estate (Butler Mohr GMAC Real Estate) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:14:14 -0500

If you've been in Real Estate for some time, maybe this is not so tough for you, but I placed my personal residence up for sale yesterday. I've been involved in real estate now for about 8 years only 1 as an agent.

I've sold numerous homes as an invester over the years and many over the past year as an agent, but I've found it extremly difficult to determine the value of my personal home.

I'm rediscovering what it's like to be emotionally attached to a home like our sellers are. It's often easy to forget the way that a seller feels when they are trying to sell their home and I'm being reminded of it now.

Many of the struggles that we face as real estate agents when we are dealing with seller's are the direct result of these emotions. We personally moved into this house when my son was only about 1 year old and it's the only home that he has known for the past 7 years.

I find this reminder extremely valuable as I will attempt to do better in relating to my sellers and their needs. Maybe, when we begin in this industry it should be a requirement to sell your current home and move. That would definitely keep it fresh.

Scott

Defiance Ohio Home for Sale: 1120 Wilhelm St.

Scott Williams -Agent, Defiance Ohio Real Estate (Butler Mohr GMAC Real Estate) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 22:37:41 -0500

Traditional Home on Defiance's South Side

3 Bedrooms/ 1 Bath 1500 Square Feet $114,900

One of Defiance's Beauties! This Charming Home Boasts 1500 Square Feet not including the 1200 Square Feet available in the Fully Useable Basement! The old Charm meets the new in this house as it has a Newer Roof, Siding, Gutters, Fresh Paint, Newer Windows and some new Carpet!

Enjoy the flowers in the beautifully landscaped yard from the brick patio!

See the Visual Tour Here

Contact Me Today!

Relay for Life Charity in Defiance, Ohio

Scott Williams -Agent, Defiance Ohio Real Estate (Butler Mohr GMAC Real Estate) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 21:48:49 -0600

I'm very proud to be part of the Butler Mohr GMAC Real Estate Team, as once again we are raising funds for our favorite charity, Relay for Life.

This past weekend the group, headed by our gracious leader Karol Yeager, held a Texas Hold 'em tournament to raise money for this year's event.

It was such a great turnout and everyone worked so hard. Unfortuneately, I had previous commitments that prevented me from helping out, but the team raised over $1700!

We still have time before the relay event and I'm hoping that I can be more involved in the next fundraiser as I walk for a friend of mine who has a brain tumor. I'm thankful that the cancer is in remission for her and I'm thankful that the funds that I will help raise will potentially help others who are facing these kind of battles.

If you are looking for a great charity to tie into, then the RELAY FOR LIFE event would be a great place to invest yourself.

You can donate online to my efforts this year by CLICKING HERE!

Thanks in Advance

Real Estate for Investors in Defiance Ohio, 43512

Scott Williams -Agent, Defiance Ohio Real Estate (Butler Mohr GMAC Real Estate) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 20:52:50 -0600

Did you know that there are 201 single family properties currently listed on my MLS in Defiance that are for sale?

Did you know that of the 201 single family properties for sale that 16 are priced under $50,000?

Do you know what kind of great deals that are now available for investing in for area real estate investors?

There are just too many for me to buy. I need some people wanting to find some bargains to contact me!

Click Here to see the area listings.

1697 Crestwood Ave. Defiance, OH 43512

Scott Williams -Agent, Defiance Ohio Real Estate (Butler Mohr GMAC Real Estate) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 20:20:03 -0600

Ranch Style Home /Over 1 Acre /On Southeast Side of Town

3 Bedrooms, 1 1/2 Baths 1374 Square Feet $104,900

Great property overlooking a wooded ravined lot on the Southeast side of town. Lots of updates including a new roof, countertops, flooring and paint. All nestled in cul-de-sac neighborhood.

click here to see more details

Virtual Tour

DEFIANCE, OHIO REAL ESTATE STATS AS OF 3/5/2008

Scott Williams -Agent, Defiance Ohio Real Estate (Butler Mohr GMAC Real Estate) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 21:46:53 -0600

As of tonight, there are currently 233 homes for sale in the Defiance area. There are 10 properties that are contingent upon things such as financing, inspections, appraisals or sale of property.

8 houses are pending for sale and finally there were 14 homes sold in the last month.

The average list price of homes for sale is $133,093, Average Days on Market:148

The average list price of homes contingent is $136,700, Average Days on Market: 112

The average list price of homes sold was $116,130, Average sale price: $111,718, Average Days on Market: 102

Hope this informs you. If you want more specific information contact me!

Foreclosures in Defiance, Ohio

Scott Williams -Agent, Defiance Ohio Real Estate (Butler Mohr GMAC Real Estate) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 09:52:10 -0600

I am constantly amazed by the number of foreclosed homes that our country is dealing with in today's market and today is no different. I looked on the MLS today and noticed that there is a house that is listed under $19,000 that was recently on the market for $79,000.

The description states that the home has a newer kitchen and some updates. I guess the rest of the house must be a mess.

Which brings up another thought, people do some of the strangest things when their homes are being foreclosed upon. Some absolutely destroy everything in them. Some take what they want, such as the kitchen cabinets, and some leave everything behind.

I guess the emotions from losing a house run rampant. Anyway, those emotions help when I'm helping someone find a home. The damage or mess left behind often creates some great bargains for someone willing to look beyond their emotions and the mess.

By taking a look at the things that matter the most in a home, the foundation, the location and the mechanicals, and looking beyond the cosmetics can often find a diamond worth quite a bit of money.

The list of foreclosures changes weekly here in Defiance, so buyers need to be on the lookout. I have created a list of the area houses on my website www.DefianceAreaHomes.com that people can request to get the latest list.

If you're wanting to see that $19,000 house you better contact me quickly as I think at that price it probably won't last too long.

Thanks!

Scott

Defiance, Ohio Weather

Scott Williams -Agent, Defiance Ohio Real Estate (Butler Mohr GMAC Real Estate) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 10:14:26 -0600

Once again I am reminded of why I really am not fond of the snow. Today I headed out to a house to let the water service person in so that we can get it turned on for a home inspection. Wouldn't you know it, he couldn't find the water shut-off valve because the street plows had plowed all the snow from the street into the front yard of this house, thus burying the valve somewhere.

The utility company had to bring out a backhoe in order to find it. Only 2-3 inches of snow are predicted for tonight on top of the 1" we received last night.

Oh well, springs on it's way and I'm looking forward to the warmth:)

www.DefianceAreaHomes.com

Interest Rates for Defiance, Ohio Real Estate

Scott Williams -Agent, Defiance Ohio Real Estate (Butler Mohr GMAC Real Estate) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:32:51 -0600

I've received a rate sheet today telling me what the current interest rates for real estate are for the Defiance area. I wish I knew exactly were the "National Average" comes from as our seems to always be a little above it.

Not that our rates are bad and all, but I sure wish that the quarter of a point that we typically are over wasn't there. The lender is quoting 6.375% today with 0 points for a 30 year fixed.

I was talking with another lender a couple of weeks ago and the rate dropped to 5.25% for about a half day then worked it's way back up. The current rate really isn't bad, but we've been spoiled with the lower rates that we had a couple of years ago. I sure wish the 4.25% rates were still here as, I personally, would refinance and/or buy a new home.

Anyway, if you are looking for a lender, I have several who are very good at getting people approved for their home loans. Contact me through my blog or visit my website: www.DefianceAreaHomes.com and look me up.

Thanks for stopping by!

1697 CRESTWOOD DR. DEFIANCE, OHIO Real Estate

Scott Williams -Agent, Defiance Ohio Real Estate (Butler Mohr GMAC Real Estate) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 22:17:29 -0600

I just listed a sweet ranch style home in the Ayersville school district. The Crestwood Dr. is located close to the cross roads of Standly and Ayersville Ave., so it's close to town. The house has 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths. It has a newer roof, flooring, paint, and counter tops.

The yard is great! I has 1.2 Acres, but the the back portion of it is a wooded ravine lot. Thus, there really isn't any back yard neighbors. There are some houses across the ravine, but during the summer the trees will block the view of those.

Now, I have to be totally honest here, I own the house. Yep, I bought the house a little over a year ago and did all that work plus some more. I had someone who was renting-to-own it, but life changed on them and thus they moved out. So, I'm going to try to sell it rather than rent-to-own it for now.

It really is a nice house. Take a look for yourself.

I have over 20 pictures of this house on my website, www.DefianceAreaHomes.com Just click on "Featured Listings" and you should find it. I will have a viritual tour of it coming soon so be on the look out for that.

Thanks for stopping by!

Scott

Home Improvement in Defiance Ohio

Scott Williams -Agent, Defiance Ohio Real Estate (Butler Mohr GMAC Real Estate) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 22:04:00 -0600

I just finished laying new vinyl flooring in my bathroom. It was a lot of work, but the new look was well worth it. It's amazing what a few bucks and some time can do to your home. In fact, I only spent about $17 for the flooring.

The bathroom in our house is not really that big, but Menards has pre-cut flooring in rolls for about $17. It's nice material and the value of my house probably just went up.

They say that the biggest two rooms in a house that people look at when they are thinking of buying a home are the bathroom(s) and the kitchen. I'm not sure why, but I've heard that people spend a lot of time in both of these places.

So, I guess it makes sense that if someone is trying to sell their home then they had better make sure that those two rooms look the best that they possibly can. Some fresh paint and new flooring will do wonders for both places. One could also add new faucets if the ones there are in kind of rough shape.

Cabinets can be painted and, if need be, new knobs and hinges can be added. The value of a home can litteraly go up by the thousands with the right repairs and touch ups.

I've been rehabbing homes now in Defiance for about 8 years and have made some real money just by replacing the kitchen floor with fresh vinyl and fresh paint throughout some of the houses that I have worked on.

There are many bargains right now in Defiance and the surrounding areas that are just primed for someone to get into and do a little work and move in to or turn around and sell.

If you'd like to see a list of the area homes that fit this bill, go to my website www.DefianceAreaHomes.com and request my Foreclosure and Distress sale list.

Thanks for visiting my blog!

Scott

The Effects of Snow on Real Estate in Defiance, Ohio

Scott Williams -Agent, Defiance Ohio Real Estate (Butler Mohr GMAC Real Estate) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 09:34:37 -0600

Well, it happened again. We have been blanketed by a thick cover of snow. We woke up this morning with about 6 inches of snow covering the ground and another 4-6 inches expected to still arrive today.

Snow has a tough effect on the real estate market here in Defiance and the surrounding counties. The snow stops Real Estate agents from showing houses to buyers and buyers don't want to see them.

On the heavy snow days, the sellers don't even want their houses to been seen. It's a vicious cycle that, to be honest, I could do without. I've mentioned before that I used to like snow, but I really could do without it sometimes.

I am, however, going to take my kids out sledding today. Thanks to the new resevoir that the city built, we now have a great new sledding hill that was built from the dirt they dug out. They intentionally made the hill for this purpose. I think it was great forward thinking.

Well, I hope the anticipated amount of snow does not arrive, but if it does, I'm going to make the best of it.

Have fun today!

Defiance, Ohio Weather

Scott Williams -Agent, Defiance Ohio Real Estate (Butler Mohr GMAC Real Estate) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 16:05:31 -0600

It looks like Defiance, Ohio is not done with winter yet. We are expecting about 3 inches of snow tonight plus another 3-4 inches tomorrow night. I'm, personally more of a spring summer type of person, as I enjoy the warmer weather more than the cold. I grew up just south of Chicago and have been experiencing snow and cold weather my whole life. As a kid, I loved the sledding and snow forts, but somewhere around high school, (probably during football season) I realized that playing in 70 degrees was much more fun than playing in icy rain and snow. My wife however, likes the snow. She doesn't like the super cold, but bring on the snow. She really likes the changing of seasons that we have here. The spring is nice as the birds start coming around again, as well as, all the new life that spring brings. The fall is absolutly beautiful as the leaves change colors and the air gets a little more crisp. That time of year is actually, my wife's favorite, but she'll take the winter too.

Summer's are kind of your normal midwest state summers. They can get extremely hot and humid, but overall they sit around the 80 degree temperature. I love that around here. The rivers get all kind of use during that time of year as boaters of all kinds take advantage of all the water around here.

Well, I hope that fills you in a little about our weather here. If you have any questions, you can obviously comment here on the blog, but you can also contact me through my website, www.DefianceAreaHomes.com

The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio by Terry Ryan

Scott Williams -Agent, Defiance Ohio Real Estate (Butler Mohr GMAC Real Estate) — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 13:35:32 -0600

I've been living here in Defiance, Ohio for approximately 8 years now and, I'm ashamed to say that, I have yet to either watch the movie or read the book, "The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio", by Terry Ryan. I don't really know why I haven't done either one, I just haven't. I made the trip to our local library and say the memoribilia that was on display there from the movie. I hear that it's a great story and my father-in-law, who grew up here, knew the Ryans. I hope to someday soon get the movie from the library and watch it.

It's amazing how many famous people have come out of this small town in Northwest Ohio. I've mentioned earlier about Sam Hornish Jr. who is now in NASCAR but also won the Indy 500, but there are numerous baseball players and even an actor, but I can't remember which one right now. I'll try to figure that out.

Just this last summer, the house that Terry wrote about was up for sale here on Washington street. I think it finally sold, but it took a little bit of time. Washington street is in the middle of a nice older neighborhhood with lots of character. You can look up other houses for sale on Washington St. by going to my website www.DefianceAreaHomes.com You can look up houses there by street address or by map.

Anyway, I guess I have an appointment with the video rental store to see if I can get my hands on a copy of that movie. If you've seen it, give me your opinions, but don't tell me how it ends.

Foreclosures or REO properties

Scott Williams -Agent, Defiance Ohio Real Estate (Butler Mohr GMAC Real Estate) — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 12:39:14 -0600

Every month in Defiance county and the counties surrounding us, Williams, Henry, Paulding, there are numerous foreclosures. It's not too much different here than it is anywhere else around our country at this time. The mortgage meltdown has hit us too. I don't know the percentages and how we compare to other areas of the country, but my guess is that it's somewhat comparible.

The mess, however, has created some of the greatest opportunities for first time homebuyers that have ever been around. Just the sheer volume has impacted the supply of homes on the market thus because of the law of supply and demand, the prices of homes have dropped. The price of home dropping and the interest rates still being at low levels has created greate opportunites for great deals. I know of several investors who are buying and selling these homes for good profits after they are fixed up. If someone is in the market for a good home that needs a little love, then the choices are almost limitless. Some of the houses are going to take a lot of work, but many of them just need some paint, carpent and elbow grease. If you're one of those type of people then head over to my website www.DefianceAreaHomes.com and I can help you by providing you a list of area homes that are available.