Providence Metropark, Grand Rapids, Ohio

Week-end Voyage,

Bob and I went on a week-end trip to Grand Rapids, Ohio. We had a great time on the nature walk and almost made it to the Old mill! Along the way we visited the dam and met three very nice boys who were bow fishing. Yes I said fishing with a bow and arrow! It was very different and exciting to watch. There were many people there enjoying the beautiful weather and having picnics for  Memorial day. The boys we met were Nate and Justin Johnson and Adam Brents. Hope you enjoy the pictures.

Which season do you like best at The Defiance Public Library???

          Which season do you like to roam around the grounds of The Defiance Public Library? Haven't been there lately? I must admit, I was there more often when my laptop was not such a big part of my life!!! Tons of information and resources is why I used to go the The Defiance Public Library now... not so much,  although I do love walking around and soaking up the views on a sunny day!

The winter white was a very pretty site but I think I would have to say Spring and Summer would be my favorites!! When I took a stroll the other morning I shot some photos of the high river and the Defiance Public Library  grounds... I have to say I was disappointed in people when I saw trash laying around, PLEASE take a minute to pick up your owns pop cans and dirty diapers!!!! Keep the Fort Grounds clean for all to enjoy!

The Maumee and Auglaize rivers were plenty full with a fast moving current!

When I was growing up in Defiance my Dad and my 2 big sisters taught me how to water ski in these rivers, great memories growing up across the street from Kingsberry Park!

If you are having a ruff day or just want to enjoy your morning coffee I recommend you take a walk around the grounds of The Defiance Public Library, relaxing, pretty and full of history. It has a calming effect on me... one that I'm not quit sure I can describe! Karol

karol@realtyfive.com

"We choose to give"

Why?

Being a relatively new company in the Northwest Ohio real estate market, I'm often asked the question of why I opened a new company, especially in these tougher economic times.  I'm asked it by both real estate professionals, as well as, from contacts we make on a regular basis.

I've answered that question in many different forms, but I think that I can simplify it by stating,

"because I wanted to make a difference." 

We've all been granted a limited time to spend on this planet before our creator takes us home and I wanted to make sure that I was doing all I could to leave this plant, the people I meet, those who I work for and those who I work with in a much better position than when I first found them. 

I truly believe it's my responsibility to make the world a better place.  I may not be able to change the whole world with my efforts and this company, but I know that I can change the world for one person who may need a hand.  I know that when we are able to donate some money to a local charity that one person's world may change that day.  It could change simply because that day was made better.  I know that when I treat a client with respect, honesty and integrity that their world is changed as they are making world changing decisions in their lives.  I know when I treat those of whom I work with with love, integrity and respect that they are able to become more than they would have had I not given them the support they needed.

I think we've all been called to make the world a better place. Realty Five of Defiance is one way that I've chosen to try and make that a reality for others.  Whether you choose to use our company or not as your real estate company of choice, it is my sincere hope that you will join me in doing what you can to make a difference in the lives of others.

Thanks and Let's Make a Difference Together!

Scott 

Moving day for our sellers!

It's moving day for one of our sellers... call the electric company, call the Internet provider, change your mailing address!!! Lots to do in all the excitement of selling your home and getting into your new one!

Congratulations on the sale of your Hicksville home, Brad and Lisa Laker and of course little Jonah too...

Jonah will soon be waking up in the country with the birds chirping and the tractors plowing the fields!

If moving to the country side is of interest to you give Realty Five of  Defiance a call, text or email... we would love to help you find a home!

Karol
"We choose give"
karol@realtyfive.com




Choosing to work with Realty Five of Defiance also means, Brad and Lisa are "choosing to give" we gave 5% of our Realty Five's gross commissions to Catholic Charities at the request of the Laker's...  Broker; Scott Williams Say's "writing checks and giving to local not for profit charities is one of my  favorite parts of my job"  Realty Five of Defiance,
"WE CHOOSE TO GIVE"  http://www.realtyfive.com/

New Real Estate office in Defiance Ohio...

As most are aware our Real Estate Brokerage is a "NEW" brokerage to the Defiance Ohio area! We chose to name our business Realty Five of Defiance; we love the opportunity of choosing how to run our business rather than a franchise choosing it for us! We also love that we do not have a franchise dipping into our commissions and putting dollars in their pocket… which brings me to our “We choose to give” tag line, the longer we are working in The Defiance area business the more we understand that our “We choose to give” tag line is SO MUCH MORE than just a tag line! We choose to give 5% of our company’s gross commission to a local not for profit charity of our buyers and sellers choice! This week end while chatting with a nice gal I had not seen in quite a while she mentioned Realty Five's Giving 5% program... so very sincerely she said “God loves a giver, God loves prosperity and you will prosper as a company for giving back” As my heart melted  from her kind compliment it again made me realize the thousands of dollars we have already given is so appreciated by many many people, we tend to forget the lives we touch as we go through our daily routines; I’m one Real Estate Agent who is happy to conduct business and then have the opportunity to “give back” to the Defiance area community!! 

Thank You to our many buyers and sellers for allowing Realty Five of Defiance the chance to buy and sell properties with you, when you come on board with our Realty Five Team you give us one more opportunity to "Give 5% back" one sale at a time!

Karol

www.realtyfive.com

"We choose to give"

Water Water Everywhere

The old saying goes something like April showers bring May flowers.  Well, it appears that the rain slept through April and is making up for lost time. 

I'm always amazed at how water seems to find every little nook and cranny and can point out any area of our home that may be in need of some attention. 

We had an appraisal done on a home this week and the appraiser noted there was some discoloration on the ceiling around the fireplace chimney and asked us if we knew if it was leaking.  Fortunately, the homeseller had discovered the leak some time ago and replaced the flashing material around the chimney but had not painted the ceiling yet.

Flashing is the metal material that is typically placed around the chimney to keep out water and is often an area of the roof that fails. 

The rain may have helped you find a few areas in your home that need some attention.  Here is a list of some of the more popular areas that may need you.

1. Roof.  You may not have water coming through your ceiling yet, but if your roof is getting older you may have some water leaking into your attic space and hitting your insulation.

2. Vents. On most roofs there are different vents that stick out of it.  These areas tend to be areas that fail much like the flashing around the chimney.  If you can see inside where these stick through see if any water is coming in.

3. Basement walls. With the amount of rain we've had recently the ground is getting pretty saturated.  Check your basement walls and floors for cracks and other areas that may be allowing water to come in. 

4. Sump Pump.  Sump Pumps are there to remove water from under a home and get it back outside.  During times like this is when they work harder than ever.  Check the backup battery and the float.  You'll be sorry if your pump quits on you.

5. Gutters. Gutters and downspouts are extremely important in getting water away from the foundation of your home.  You should be seeing if they are draining properly.  If not take a few minutes to get them clean.

6. Landscaping.  Alright, this is not technically something on the home, but good landscaping can make a world of difference in how much water is coming toward your home.  See where the water is puddling.  Is it flowing away from your foundation or toward it?

7. Window wells.  If you have a basement, how good is the seal around your basement window wells? Are you seeing leaks?  You may need to replace them.

8. Crawl space.  How much water is getting under your home?  Is your crawl space dry?  You may need to add a sump pump, add drainage tile, or work on your landscaping as mentioned above.

That's a short list of areas that you may need to check on during this rainy season.  Some of the problems can be fixed with either caulk or tar.  Some need just old fashioned elbow grease and some unfortuneately, may need a professional to take care of.  In any case, it is well worth it.  The longer you allow a water problem, the worse it gets and the more it ends up costing.  A little now goes a long way.

Questions or comments?

Just ask!

Thanks,
Scott

Scott Williams
scott@realtyfive.com
888.766.8627

WHY de-personalize your house when it is on the Defiance area market?

Why de-personalize when your house is listed on the Defiance area Real Estate market?

One of the personal decorating locations in your home may be your book cases, your curio cabinet or your fireplace mantel, yes de-personalizing these area's are important, why? We want the buyers coming through your "listed house" to see them selves as "buyers of there new home"  In order help them see themselves in your house you will need to remove your personal photos, some home decor and themed rooms...

When you decorate your fireplace mantel it can be done with out your grand children's pictures or your favorite wedding photo... general decorating will appeal to all who view your "listed house" We want them to picture there favorite photos on the mantel not yours!

Another example of a personal area of your "listed house" is your home office/desk, remove personal paper work, stack of bills, mail Etc.  Nothing personal should be left out for others to view, if it is out... they will be looking!

Inviting, warm, cheerful, limited seasonal decor is all OK, it creates a "good welcome feeling"
You want buyers to see the details of your "listed house" rather than spending time looking at your personal photo's and decor...or they may miss your crown molding, beautiful details of the fireplace mantel, french doors or the wonderful view from the window! Go ahead show off your house, we want our buyers to fall in love with it, not your personal belongings...  List with Realty Five of Defiance, Karol will gladly help you get your home "buyer ready" and "staged" for today's competitive Defiance area Real Estate market!!!

karol@realtyfive.com
Realty Five of Defiance
"We choose to give"

Only 8 weeks till wedding bells will be ringing!

Only 8 more weeks and our family will be hearing the sound of wedding bells ringing from The Ney Church of God. Come this June 26th my youngest son will marry the gal he loves!  I have never been a mother of the groom before so I figure I better read up on proper etiquette.

Weddings... lots of preparations weather it be a small casual wedding or a large extravagant event! My son and his fiance Amber have chosen a semi-small family wedding yet there is still soooo much to do, I think the Mother of the groom is getting a bit nervy to say the least. I've been online today reading wedding blogs on appropriate attire for the Mother of the groom, one expert said never outshine the bride or the mother of the bride... OK I can easily follow that rule! Apparently in past years, the mother of the groom was to wear a beige dress, keep quiet and do as she was asked (in order to keep peace) and of course host the rehearsal dinner!!! Sounds easy enough... so who decided to start changing the wedding rule book???


All kidding aside, Tim and I are very much looking forward to watching our son marry the love of his life, did I mention it is only 8 weeks away? Karol idding aside Tim and I are very much looking forward to w

If you have Mother of the Groom advice for me or a story to tell I'd love to hear from you!
karol@realtyfive.com


Steven Yeager and Amber Schmidt