Take steps to adjust to daylight saving time

March 10, 2019

Daylight saving time began at 2 a.m. today when it was once again time to “spring forward” by setting clocks ahead one hour. The time change, which costs you an hour of sleep, can impact your circadian rhythm, causing you to be sleepier on your Monday morning commute, and thus, affect road safety. It’s important to be aware of the risks associated with the time change and to prepare accordingly. Drivers who miss one to two hours of the recommended seven hours of sleep nearly double their risk of a crash. Drowsiness can slow reaction time, impair vision and judgment, and delay the ...

Understanding title terms

March 9, 2019

What is a title search? What is title insurance? The custom in our market area, the Mahoning Valley, and the counties it encompasses, is that a seller will guarantee his/ her respective title to the real estate he / she will be conveying to a new buyer is free and clear of liens and encumbrances. To issue title insurance, the search must be searched or reviewed by an expert title researcher / examiner. They examine all of the different court documents , filings at the recorder’s office and more. Based on the findings they collect, a title insurance policy can be issued. Title ...

Do not forget to ask about the septic system

March 2, 2019

The majority of Trumbull County households are on septic systems, believe it or not. Septic systems must be kept in proper working order as they are a functioning system with components. Because they are outside and underground, the majority of the system, and as the old addage says “out of sight, out of mind.” If you are a homeowner with a septic system in place, make sure you maintain it regularly. Off-lot systems, for example, must have an operating permit issued by the Trumbull County Combined Health District and a maintenance agreement with a vendor — approved by the ...

Inspect home before buying

February 23, 2019

Now that you have an accepted offer to purchase your dream home, what’s the next step? Ordering a general home inspection is the logical choice. A general home inspection will offer you some assurance and peace of mind that this major purchase is the one you actually “dreamed of.” Buyers, your Realtor can offer you some names of home inspection companies you can choose from or you can find them online. Home inspections normally cover all the major components of a home and some general home inspectors handle radon testing and wood-destroying pest inspections and ...

The last flight with Maj. Karl Hoerig

February 17, 2019

I sat in Judge Andrew Logan’s courtroom as Claudia Hoerig received her sentence of 28 years to life. I was overwhelmed with emotion. That February day meant so much to us all. The outcome so many hoped for now is written in stone. Justice prevailed, but the only ‘life sentence’ I observed that day was of my friend Karl Hoerig. Karl would never see his children again, hold his grandchildren or enjoy a holiday with family and friends. Karl will never give the gift of laughter through wit or wisdom. Claudia selfishly took all that, denying us the gift of Karl in our lives. The ...

Realtors are advocates

February 16, 2019

One of the great things that Realtors assist in is advocacy. The National Association of Realtors, Ohio Realtors and our local Warren Area Board of Realtors constantly monitor matters and issues that may adversely affect homeownership and / or private property rights. It could be local rules and regulations, a bill introduced in the state legislature, or a federal rule or bill. We work diligently for homeowners and buyers to make sure that owning or purchasing a home is more than a dream for everyone; we want it to be a reality for all. Locally, we work in supporting many community ...