The Ohio Real Estate Blog

Standing Up and Being Heard

2008-06-06T14:55:47Z

I've grown tired of hearing about how hard the world of real estate is -- yet they don't step up and take action.

I've grown tired of people complaining about those in Washington -- yet not voting.

I've grown tired of people complaining about NAR -- yet not being active in the organization.

NAR is just like any other organization in the world -- the only way it succeeds is through the continued guidance of its body. If the "head" becomes detached from the organization's heart it will eventually falter.

Stand-up and be heard if you are a member of NAR -- it is your duty to the organization.

Read my post on NAR's Young Professional Network.

Delaware County Realtors Giving Back

2008-06-01T21:51:11Z

DELAWARE, Ohio - Delaware County Board of REALTORS® will take part in the regional REALTOR® Care Day on Thursday June 5 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Board members and affiliates will work throughout the day cleaning and taking care of Delaware's trails beginning downtown at the intersection of the trail and Henry Street.

The DCBR will be among 18 area real estate associations taking part in the fourth-annual REALTOR^® Care Day. The Day began with the Columbus Board of REALTORS^® and is a single-day to celebrate all that REALTORS® and affiliates give back to their communities throughout the remainder of the year.

For more information on the DCBR or REALTOR^® Care Day contact Toby Boyce, DCBR board liaison, at 740-990-9748 or toby@tobysellshomes.com.

New Listing: 945 N. Old State Road

2008-05-13T08:14:52Z

Toby Boyce | Keller Williams The Realty Firm | 740-990-9748

945 North Old State Road, Delaware, OH

Live In The Woods For Only $1,226.02*

3BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $248,900

Year Built	1980
Sq Footage	1,722
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	2.24 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Stop dreaming of getting out to the country. This beautiful one-owner ranch is waiting for you!

New paint and carpet.

Spend all summer on the screened porch and enjoy the quiet country living.

More than two acres only steps from all the joys of Alum Creek. Mature trees on lot.

New owner has opportunity for natural gas.

* - Based upon 20% down on a 6.25% loan for 30 years. Only includes principle and interest.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
Walk-in closet	Family room	Living room
Dining room	Dishwasher	Refrigerator
Stove/Oven	Microwave	Basement
Laundry area - inside	Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Toby Boyce

Keller Williams The Realty Firm

740-990-9748

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: May 7, 2008, 7:19am PDT

This beautiful one-owner ranch sits on 2.24 acres near Alum Creek in beautiful northeast Delaware County. Priced at $248,900, this home has new paint and carpet and is on a heavily wooded lot.

Cell Phone Review: Samsung FlipShot

2008-05-13T08:04:34Z

There a lot of toys and gadgets that could be considered "necessities" by the real estate professional, but the cell phone would have to rank right at the top.

Recently, I was looking for a new phone to replace my ancient piece of equipment and two options emerged. Staying with an "upgraded" cell phone or move into the world of mobile PC.

The kind people at Verizon offered me the opportunity to test drive a couple of their phones for a few days and see what I thought. Thought I'd pass along the information I collected in case any fellow Rainers were also looking at moving into the direction of a new phone.

The first phone was the Samsung's FlipShot which includes a 3MB digital camera, bluetooth technology and more.

The phone's biggest "selling point" is its ability to take high-resolution photos. Personally, I didn't care for the camera. Now, I'm a former professional photographer and I love using my Nikon D70 for photographs. So I personally felt that the high-resolution camera was too constricting for my purposes. All zoom on the camera was digital, which you would expect from a camera of its size and weight, and I found that to be tough to use.

However, one feature that the FlipShot is VZ Navigator which for those that still refuse to purchase a GPS unit can be a life-saver. I found myself using the Navigator a lot more than the camera in this phone.

The flip-phone did have good accoustics for conversation. I had little trouble talking outside in windy situations, which has become a challenge for a lot of phones in today's market. However that talk comes with a bit more bulky phone than many of the other options on the market today.

Personally, I didn't go for the FlipShot but the 3MB digital camera could be a great selling point for someone that is looking for a convient way to eliminate one item from their busy real estate carry kit.

Playing The Crazy Real Estate Poker Game

2008-04-28T23:46:48Z

I'm an idiot. How did I miss the word "film" in the rules? Oh well, this is still my post. Not going to be entered into the contest...because I'm an idiot :p

That was a crazy game of poker
(That was a crazy game of poker)
I lost it all
(I lost it all)
but someday I'll be back again
And I, never to fold.
(never to fold)

"That was a Crazy Game of Poker" has been a college anthem since its release by Of A Revolution (better known as O.A.R. by fans) but you know it could be an anthem for all real estate professionals.

In fact, I think it so much that it is one of the key points in my buyer and seller sessions. For you see, the real estate "game" (or transaction) is one big game of poker.

"You tell people that real estate is like a game of poker? Real estate is for real.

The concept is very simple, but the biggest thing it does is takes the emotion out of the "game". For example, anyone that's played poker has seen a competitor (of done it herself) up the ante with nothing in their hand. At the poker table its called a bluff, so why not diffuse the tension of a low-ball offer by viewing it as a bluff?

The potential buyer has looked at his cards and tossed out a low-ball offer in hopes of "stealing" a house, or pot.

As I sit down with my sellers at the listing presentation we talk about the process and how the "game" will play out. It is the "Real Estate Texas Hold 'em" Tournament for all the marbles.

The sellers put the ante on the table by setting the price as a factor of the properties location, quality, and desirability. As the agent, my goal is for the client to put the price at a point where the most qualified buyers will take a look at it. In today's market, I look what the comparables are selling for and reduce it by a factor depending on the location and condition. Usually this is about 3-5 percent. The idea is to create a buzz of a good home priced below market value.

That gets the buyers to beging anteing up and setting showings, each time I work on the buyer's reps and try to get a little bit of the game from them. Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose -- but we always play the cards to the best of our ability.

That was a crazy game of poker
(That was a crazy game of poker)
I lost it all
(I lost it all)
but someday I'll be back again
And I, never to fold.
(never to fold)

Delaware Ohio REALTOR Forced to Leave His Home ...

2008-04-01T13:03:59Z

Just found this in our local paper, scary times to be in real estate:

An unidentifed Delaware, Ohio REALTOR® was recently forced to sell his house and move because of a little known law that limits anyone associated with the real estate industry from living within 1,000 feet of a school or other place where children would gather.

"I don't want my children living near those people," said Itsa Joke. "They scare me."

And obviously, her sentiment was echoed by numerous city leaders. In a recent council session, the vice mayor asked "can we ban them from the city entirely?"

At that point the discussion became mute, as local REALTORS® put their houses up for sale, saying all along that it is a "great time to buy!"

One lone holdout resisted the city's orders, but he was relocated yesterday after city government delayed busting a drug house to take him down.

Sad day for liberty. But great day for practical joke.

New Listing: Your Own Personal Park in Danville, Ohio ($169,900)

2008-03-14T23:36:47Z

Building a Referral Based Business? Or Not?

2008-02-24T22:41:13Z

It was a great morning for me recently, I awoke to a referral request in New Jersey.

She is looking to sell an older mobile home, which I understand isn't the "best" referral agents can receive.

I make a handful of telephone calls, hook up with an agent and have a nice chat. He talks about what he can do for her and it seems a referral made in heaven.

Then it happens. He never calls back.

I thought maybe it was the three-day rule, so I wait. And wait. And wait. Called him back and voicemail. Still no call.

What the hell is going on here?

He knew the city, the product, and was still telling me that he was honored to take the lead.

So what happened that kept him from ever calling the client? Why didn't he tell me the truth? This is what has me hopping mad at this moment.

My reputation has been tarnished because this "non-agent" didn't follow through.

Did he have to take the listing? Of course not, but at least give my referral a listing appointment to see what you can do for her.

So what should you do when you are called about a referral?

1. Be honest. Don't work in the area, not interested in the property. Don't worry. Speak mind up front and help the agent identify a fellow agent in the area that can help us out.

2. Follow Through. Okay, so we hear all the time about how bad we are. So why wouldn't you respect another agent?

Photograph by Stephan Szpak-Fleet and used via license of Stock.xchng.

When was the last time you got lost?

2008-01-03T12:44:16Z

It has been a busy couple of months for me. Grieving for dad, working full time in real estate, working nearly full-time at Best Buy and trying to keep a wife and dog happy along the way.

So, it has been hard enough to keep myself moving on my real estate blog, what alone taking a few minutes to get lost in the world around me.

This morning, I got lost in the blogosphere for a little while, and am okay with it.

So when was the last time you got lost?

I started in Phoenix with Jay Thompson and then to RERevealed and then to lots of other great blogs.

I learned about Jay's short-sale from hell and Lani's brothers unfortunate passing and lots of little real estate tid-bits.

And I'm a better blogger this afternoon because of my little journey this morning. Motivational writer/speaker Jeffrey Gitomer says that we need to build "think" and "read" times into our calendars -- and I've done that.

Here's to getting lost in the blogosphere.

Updated Historic Home in Delaware's Historic Northwest District

2007-12-17T15:30:21Z

291 North Washington Street in Delaware, Ohio is a beatiful historic home with a lot of great upgrades. Don't miss your chance to live in Delaware's Historic Northwest District in this 3-bedroom and 1-1/2 bathroom house for only $184,000.

Happy Holidays Luncheon at Dutch Heritage

2007-12-09T16:35:52Z

Join the Christian Women's Connection, affiliated with Stonecroft Ministries, at Troyer's Dutch Heritage on Thursday at 11:45 a.m. for a special holiday luncheon.

The lunch is $10.50 per person and will include Dick Baldwin on the accordian and guest speaker Arlene Kinnel on "How to be happy with who you are in spite of imperfections".

Submit your reservations to Betty (419-884-1404), Jo (419-756-4254), or Chris (419-492-2878) for the dinner.

My Guilty Music Pleasures

2007-12-05T12:33:46Z

I had sat down this cold afternoon, and considered the guiltiest of guilty pleasures in my CD collection.

The search through my hundreds of downloads and nearly as many compact discs and tapes, kept coming back to only one man and a single song.

Yanni and his "hit" "Reflection of Passion"

The enchanting melody along with the masterful flow of the song make it a wonderful piece. In my mind, one of the most beautiful songs written in the 20th century.

Ahh, but this isn't about beautiful is it.

This is about which song is the "guiltiest pleasure", as in which one would you rather go on "Fear Factor" than have your friends find in your CD case. And this, is that song.

For while, I am sitting here writing this with the wide collection of tones echoing through the CD system, I keep glancing an eye out the window for the arrival of my wife.

Yes, that's right. The love of my life, the woman that I've shared four years of maritial bliss doesn't know my secret. She's unaware that she has a closet Yanni fan in her bed at night. I'm afraid of how she'd take it -- after the whole look I got for singing Foreigner the other day.

So, now it is out there and I feel more free. The world now knows that I'm an open and exposed Yanni fan, just don't tell my wife.

Toby Boyce Named Delaware Ohio Rookie of the Year!

2007-12-05T12:06:25Z

Toby Boyce, of Delaware, was named the Delaware County Board of REALTORS® 2007 Rookie of the Year during its annual Christmas Party on December 1.

Boyce has served as a REALTOR® for just over a year. During that time, he’s been active in the local board including being elected to the position of State Director and also designing the organization’s new logo. Boyce has also been asked to serve on the Ohio Association of REALTORS® scholarship committee in 2008.

Prior to his real estate career, Boyce spent 10 years as a professional writer and photographer for newspapers and various colleges throughout Ohio.

Boyce is a graduate of Danville High School, earned his Bachelor’s degree from Mount Union College in business administration, and his Master’s in Business Administration from Heidelberg College.

Boyce, the son of Janice Boyce, of Danville, and the late Calvin Boyce, resides in Delaware with his wife, the former Gretchen Golling.

5.11 Acres, 4 Bedrooms, $125000 -- Open For You Sunday 2-4 p.m.!

2007-11-08T12:07:16Z

SOLD! on January 14 for $114,000

Sitting on a quiet country road only minutes north of Delaware is your personal oasis and REALTOR® Toby Boyce will have it open on Sunday from 2-4 p.m. for your viewing pleasure.

The home is located at 708 County Road 24 and has a Marengo address but is only located minutes away from Ashley, Killbourne, Cardington, U.S. 36 at I-71 and Delaware. This house is all set-up for your decorating touches. The owners have put a new roof on, installed a new propane furnace, connected to the Del Co water supply, and replaced many of the home's interior and exterior doors. However it is outside where this home shines! It has a rolling 5.11 acres that goes back to two ponds at the rear of the property. There is an outbuilding that would make for a great work building. All of this for only $125,000! Directions:

From I-71 (Columbus): Take I-71 to U.S. 36/37 interchange. Head west on 36/37 to Old State Road. Head north on Old State Road, which becomes County Road 24 in Morrow County. Property is located about five minutes from Morrow County line on the left-hand side. (second Disbennett sign north of Stantontown.)
From Delaware: Take State Route 521 to Killbourne, in Killbourne head north on Old State Road, which becomes County Road 24. Property is located about five minutes from Morrow County line on the left-hand side. (second Disbennett sign north of Stantontown.)
From Points East, West and NorthTake State Route 229 to County Road 24 (located east of Ashley, west of State Route 61) and follow it south to 708 County Road 24. The property will be on the right hand side of the road.

For more information contact Toby Boyce at 740-990-9748 or via e-mail at toby@tobysellshomes.com.

Are You The Same Agent You Were Five Years Ago?

2007-11-06T07:20:00Z

I have always liked to slip up to the lake to think and recoup and after the events of this past weekend, Gretchen and I spent the afternoon sitting on the rocks around Marblehead Lighthouse.

Working on your mental health, works up an appetite and we headed to Kokomo Bay in Port Clinton for lunch. We’d been there on our last trip and had a wonderful meal – fresh and tasty – it was with much anticipation that we pulled into the driveway and headed indoors.

I order the Jamaican Jerk wings and “Kokomo rice”, the exact same thing as last year. And I’m greeted with the waitress saying, “What does the menu say? Yeah, the rice is different now.”

”Huh? Well that’s okay.”

And then the meal comes, what had been hearty and fresh portions have been replaced with lower quality ingredients and that great meal was a disappointment.

So how, does this experience relate to real estate? Easy

We all strive to build a referral based business model. Why?

Cheaper
Already Connected
More Income

But, are you providing the same service when your past clients come back?

I’ve heard on several occasions from clients that had used a previous agent, “Last time our agent did this, but s(he) just didn’t seem to be as interested this time.”

Are you still using the same ingredients that made you successful when you started in the real estate industry? I doubt it. I’ve only been selling for a year and I have continually adjusted and updated my presence and image as I try to find what works. Hence, my first clients had a “different” agent than they would today.

But would they recognize me? Of course they would. I’ve worked around building more connections with my clients and working smarter – not harder – to help them find the property (or buyer) that fits their needs.

However, too many of us loose site of the “hunger” and “desire” that made us great agents to begin with and our past clients come back looking for that same hungry agent.

What can you do, to keep your clients “in the loop” and build your referral income?

Lots of things …

Stay in Touch! Seems obvious. But you need to be calling on your past clients at least four times a year. It will help them stay up with you, but also remind you of where you’ve come from. In addition this connection will allow them to continue to keep up with what is happening in your world. Build a “friendship” rather than just a “past client”.
Communicate & Refer We all love our listings, but if you have a client that wants to work with the same hungry and new agent that they had five years ago. However, you’ve now grown to be a top producer and can’t provide that service for them anymore. Why not refer them to a hungry agent in your office. Tell them why, be honest, and direct. They’ll love you more for being upfront and admitting that you are not the person to help them.
Be Real Maybe this is too much for most agents, but if you “keep it real” then the clients will understand and adapt to you. We all change, and your clients will understand that … as long as you are being yourself and not a perceived persona.

Good luck and enjoy!

Marblehead Lighthouse, Marblehead Ohio

2007-10-31T20:52:26Z

Marblehead Lighthouse is located in Lake Erie's Western Basin along the entrance to the Sandusky Bay.

It is one of my favorite places on Earth to visit with the calm Lake Erie waves lapping at the rocks and the stark white light rising from the rough shore. It is best to visit on sunny Spring and Fall days as the crowds will be much smaller and offer you a true feel for the area.

If you do follow my travel tip, take a sweatshirt as the winds off the Lake will make it feel chilly regardless of how strong the sun's rays are.

Four Bedrooms, 5.11 Acres, Beautiful Location ... What Else Could You Want?

2007-10-31T16:06:09Z

Welcome home to 708 County Road 24 in rural Morrow County, only minutes from the Delaware County line. This home has a Marengo address, but is located only minutes north of Stantontown and 20 minutes from the US 36/37 and I-71 interchange.

The 5.11 acres has a gentle roll that hides two ponds located at the rear of the property. This could make for a wonderful summer retreat. There is a small barn near the house.

The home has lots of new features including the roof, propane furnace, DelCo water, exterior doors, most closet doors, gutters, paint, oak kitchen cabinets, and kitchen and bathroom floors.

This home awaits your decorating touches and at a price of only $125,000 you can afford to make it your own.

To my Active Rain Friends: Please Keep Us in Your Prayers

2007-10-27T13:26:27Z

I was hesitant to post this here, but having developed so many friendships via AR over the past year plus.

If you woke up on Friday morning feeling that something was slightly amiss, then you probably were one of the thousands that knew my dad. And unfortunately, everyone of us lost a great-great man on Thursday.

He never knew a stranger, just a long-lost friend

At 52, my father had lived a wonderful - though too short life - and we'll all miss him so much. I'll write more later, but for right now here is the obituary from Fischer Funeral Home's Web site:

Danville – Calvin Boyce, 52, died Thursday, October 25, 2007 at his residence.
He was born September 4, 1955 in Wisconsin to Gerald and Jane (Anderson) Boyce. He was a Clear Fork graduate, and attended the Knox County Career Center.
On September 7, 1973 he was married to Janice Myers. He was a member and trustee of the Greer Wesleyan Church, and was a trustee for The Sanctuary Community Action in Danville.
He worked for Sprint/ Embarq for 34 years, and was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and trapping. Calvin never met a person who he didn’t think of as a friend.
He is survived by his wife; Janice, his parents; Gerald and Jane Boyce of Butler, a son; Toby (Gretchen) Boyce of Delaware, a daughter; Sherri (Michael) Prettyman of Warrington, Penn., a granddaughter; Alexa Prettyman, a sister; Lynn (Robert) Hull of Bellville, a brother; Steve (Angela) Boyce of Alexandria, and a mother-in-law; Mary Louise (Sparky) Yost of Dundee, Fla.
He was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 29, 2007, at the Greer Wesleyan Church [Map]. Pastor Lloyd Miller will officiate. Burial will be in Workman Cemetery in Danville.
Calling hours will be from 3-5 and 6-8 p.m. on Sunday at the Fischer Funeral Home in Danville [Map].
Memorial contributions can be made to the Sanctuary (P.O. Box 505, Danville, 43014) or the Greer Wesleyan Church (20189 Nashville Road, Glenmont, 44628).

Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

28 Unit Apartment Complex For Sale in Great Location!

2007-10-20T10:09:29Z

Toby Boyce | Disbennett Real Estate Company | 740-990-9748

101 West Main Street, Cardington, OH

28 Unit Apartment Building in the Heart of it All!

Multi-Family, 28 units

offered at $925,000

Year Built	1983
Sq Footage	20,520
Floors	3
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	0.217 acres
Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Nice all brick apartment buiding.

Close to everything! only blocks from grocery, bank, restaurant, video store, library, mini mart, etc.

On site coin-op laundry and resident manager.

Roof is only about 5 years old.

Four (4) efficiencies rent for $295 per month, while twenty-four (24) one-bedroom units rent for $395 per month.

Tenants pay electric and owner pays water, sewer, and trash.

Broker/agent owned for eight years.

Property listed by Broker Rodney Disbennett.

see additional photos below

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Toby Boyce

Disbennett Real Estate Company

740-990-9748

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Oct 20, 2007, 9:17am PDT

Like New Home in Delaware, Ohio Open Sunday 2-4 p.m.

2007-10-18T09:58:25Z

Welcome to 336 Wheatfield Drive located in Delaware's Carson Farms subdivision. Join REALTOR® Toby Boyce, your host, on Sunday from 2-4 p.m. to tour one of the best buys in the entire subdivision.

This lovely home is only six years old - but you'd never know - as it has been well-maintained by the current owners. The home has a large open floor plan on the first floor with with the kitchen and living area flowing together. Also on the first floor is the master bedroom and laundry.

The second floor has two other bedrooms and a full bathroom. Lots of windows bring in lots of natural light and make this a warm home.

To join us, Take William Street (U.S. 36) west from downtown Delaware and turn right on Carson Farms Drive, turn left on Wheatfield and home will be on the left.

If you have any question contact Toby Boyce at 740-990-9748 or via e-mail at toby@tobysellshomes.com.

Getting Away to the Hocking Hills & Old Man's Cave

2007-10-15T23:44:04Z

Fall is upon us in Central Ohio.

Unfortunately, the hot weather has limited the vibrant colors we usually experience. But that didn't stop Gretchen and I from loading up Sadie and heading to Old Man's Cave in the Hocking Hills.

It was a great day hiking through the canyon and cave area and with all the steps we all got a great workout. Old Man's Cave is located on State Route 664 about 10 miles south of Logan, Ohio and is part of the Hocking Hills State Park.

Of course we need the hiking after a great meal at Millstone BBQ in Logan. We are already checking Hocking Hills: The Official Journal of the Hocking Hills for our next trip and are looking to spend the weekend in a pet-friendly location.

Gretchen made the mistake of telling me it was my day, so I drug her through rural Fairfield County to check out two preserved covered bridges on our way back to Lancaster and eventually Delaware.

Get out there and enjoy Ohio ... it is a great place to live!

Good Sellers, Don't We Just Love Them!

2007-10-09T15:52:14Z

I have a relatively new listing and was talking with my buyer the other day. And she told me how they'd taken the advertisement for their home to the local flea market (where they have a table) and put it out for people to take -- and she said a lot of people were reading it and even asking questions.

I love it when the sellers get involved in the selling of their property. We can work with them all we want, but they have a passion for this home that really makes them wonderful spokespersons for this listing.

With all the negative out there about sellers and their "demanding" prices thoguht it was time for some goodwill towards our sellers.

"Thank you Mr. and Mrs. X for helping me market and sell your house."

Photograph by Richard Styles and used via license of stock.xchng.

Bet on the Horses, Raise Money for Boxers

2007-10-08T22:11:46Z

Lighthouse Boxer Rescue, based in Cleveland, will hold a "Lucky 13" Night at the Races on October 13 at Sherwood Forest Party Center (12900 Tinkers Creek Road, Valley View). Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and post time is 8:30 p.m.

Tickets include dinner, beverages, beer, wine, 10 full color races, raffle, and dance party following the races. Tickets are $30 and if you buy a horse for $10 (prior to the event) you get to name it. Your name and your horses' name will appear in the printed program. If your horse wins, you win a trophy. All proceeds go directly to the boxers at Lighthouse Boxer Rescue.

For more information contact Lighthouse Boxer Rescue at (216) 749-2423 or (216) 581-9584.

Tiffin Ohio Hosting County Courthouse Preservation Summit

2007-10-08T14:54:24Z

Many of Ohio courthouses are beautiful buildings, however the majority date back to an earlier time and have a need for preservation.

The poster-county for this battle between preservation and demolition has become Seneca County. Where Seneca County Commissioners have voted for demolition of their historic -- and condemned -- building rather than rehabbing it. The battle has been a tense one, but it appears that Seneca County Courthouse will be demolished.

In response, Preservation Ohio, Heritage Ohio, and Tiffin Historic Trust are planning "County Courthouses and Community Revitaliztion" on November 2-3 at Heidelberg College in Tiffin, Ohio. According to the Web site, the purpose of the summit is:

...to bring together a wide cross-section of individuals to collectively consider the unique and powerful role that county facilities - and particularly county courthouses -- play in Ohio's 88 county seat communities. In particular, the forum will look at the ways that county courthouses intersect with downtown and community revitalization, including the true impact of demolition, and will also identify as many renovation and reuse funding strategies as possible.

The fact that Tiffin is hosting is not an accident as the Seneca County Courthouse is one of three that face an uncertain future in northwestern Ohio.

Spam No More!

2007-10-07T23:03:55Z

Spam.

We all hate the lovely mystery meat all most as much as we hate the thousands of spam comments that litter our e-mail boxes and our blogs.

But there is a portion of the population that has a problem. They are Spam.

Shh. Don't judge them, it isn't there fault. They either talked to someone in Nigeria about money, or passed on a chain letter, or unknowingly became the hub of an international cyber-sting, or just had an open port and someone nailed them.

I know this, because, well, I am a spammer.

Or at least according to all your blog "spam protection" software, I am. I don't know how it happened, but it did. It hurt to tell my friends, but one day I opened up and told them. They accepted me, even a few went through their spam folders to find comments that I'd left for them within the past 15 days.

Thanks to an intervention, I saw the light and have now been spam free for four days.

I know it is a start, but hopefully it will stay that way.

How did I do it?

I contacted Akismet Spam (or whatever spam protection you use on your blog) and explain to them the situation. Many times they'll fix it for you with only a few e-mails and questions to make sure you are for real.

Now, I'm feeling free and easy as I can comment on Active Rain bloggers' outside blogs without fear. Now if I could just do something about this rash ...

[EDIT] This blog is for those that are having their comments on other people's blogs marked as spam and how to fix the problem. Thanks for reading.