MAGAZINE

A Supplement To The Delphos Herald July 2012

419-695-1006 419-879-1006
DONT MAKE A MOVE WITHOUT US

312 N. Main St. Delphos, OH

675 N. Market St., Suite 120 Lima, OH

www.DickClarkRealEstate.com
PE SA N LE D IN G

7892 German Rd. Delphos $648,000 Dick Clark 419-230-5553

809 S. Washington St. Van Wert $310,000 Dick Clark 419-230-5553

1740 Carolyn Drive Delphos $299,000 Dick Clark 419-230-5553

1451 Carolyn Dr. Delphos $279,000 Dick Clark 419-230-5553

17163 Road J Ottawa $249,000 Dick Clark 419-230-5553

6601 Defiance Tr. Delphos $239,000 Dick Clark 419-230-5553

12286 Delphos Southworth Rd. Delphos $235,000 Dick Clark 419-230-5553

1330 Joshua St. 725 Fairlane 1240 Joshua Delphos $229,500 Delphos $224,000 Delphos $235,000 Dick Clark 419-230-5553 Chuck Peters 419-204-7238 Dick Clark 419-230-5553

1003 W. Market St. Lima $220,000 Rick Gable 419-230-1504

PE SA N LE D IN G

20757 St. Rt. 116 Spencerville $188,000 Chuck Peters 419-204-7238

11101 Ottawa Rd. Columbus Grove $174,900 Melanie Thorbahn 419-234-5493

814 Ft. Jennings Rd. Delphos $169,000 Dick Clark 419-230-5553

PE SA N LE D IN G

8540 Ridge Rd. Delphos $154,900 Dick Clark 419-230-5553

160 Fifth St. Ft. Jennings $148,500 Elaine Wehri 419-234-2254

1306 Hedrick St. Delphos $145,000 Dick Clark 419-230-5553

402 Central St. Delphos $144,500 Jack Adams 419-302-2171

5102 Hummingbird Elida $139,900 Dick Clark 419-230-5553

430 E. Fifth St. 441 E. Cleveland St. Delphos $139,900 Delphos $139,900 Dick Clark 419-230-5553 Jack Adams 419-302-2171

603 W. Second St. Delphos $139,000 Dick Clark 419-230-5553

409 E. Fifth St. Delphos $134,900 Dick Clark 419-230-5553

425 N. Clay St. Delphos $139,000 Dick Clark 419-230-5553

PE SA N LE D IN G

2660 Cremean Rd. 12763 Spencerville-Delphos Rd. 285 Railroad Elida $129,900 Delphos $129,900 Ft. Jennings $128,500 Brian Overholt 419-231-5385 Melanie Thorbahn 419-234-5493 Elaine Wehri 419-234-2254

7060 Elida Rd. Delphos $119,500 Rick Gable 419-230-1504

514 Dewey St. Delphos $114,900 Dick Clark 419-230-5553

PE SA N LE D IN G

904 Elm St. Delphos $109,000 Dick Clark 419-230-5553

318 N. Bredeick St. Delphos $108,000 Dick Clark 419-230-5553

339 W. Seventh St. Delphos $105,000 Dick Clark 419-230-5553

483 S. Franklin St. 808 Second St. 301 Birch Dr. Delphos $99,900 Delphos $5,000 Spencerville $94,900 Jack Adams 419-302-2171 Rick Gable 419-230-1504 Jack Adams 419-302-2171

709 N. Washington St. Delphos $94,500 Rick Gable 419-230-1504

Residential Commercial Farms Property Management

DICK CLARK 419-230-5553 dc@dickclarkrealestate.com RICK GABLE 419-230-1504 rgable@dickclarkrealestate.com JAMIE ELWER 567-204-1555 jamie@dickclarkrealestate.com JACK ADAMS 419-302-2171 jack@dickclarkrealestate.com MELANIE THORBAHN 419-234-5493 melanie@dickclarkrealestate.com CHUCK PETERS 419-204-7238 chuck@dickclarkrealestate.com BOB JETTINGHOFF 419-204-5380 Bob@dickclarkrealestate.com BRIAN OVERHOLT 419-231-5385 brian@dickclarkrealestate.com ELAINE WEHRI 419-234-2254 elaine@dickclarkrealestate.com DAN SWICK 419-230-3841 dan@dickclarkrealestate.com

To view all area listings go to www.DickClarkRealEstate.com

2 Showcase of Homes The Delphos Herald July 2012

15129 St. Rt. 709

Youll want to see this large, beautiful home with over 2 acres and a Quonset building with endless possibilities. Many executive style upgrades have already been done to this reasonably priced home. Conveniently located on a highway with low traffic.

13485 State Road

Description: Electric animal fence in yard. Ranch - finished basement. Set-up with handicap access with elevator to basement.

18285 US Rt. 224, Middle Point:

If you are looking for a small home in the country look no more. This desirable 2 bedroom ranch has a 2 car attached garage, a one acre lot and is located on Rt. 224 just east of ST. Rt. 637

203 S. Bredeick St., Delphos

Great starter home with 1 bedroom down and 2 bedrooms up, 2 baths on main level, vinyl siding, gas heat, central air, attached garage. Payments approx. $228/month to qualified buyer.

12238 Greenville Rd., Van Wert:

Sharp and impressive contemporary home located on the golf course with terrific views. With a combination of cathedral, vaulted and tray ceilings you will be impressed with all the amenities and upgrades. Building a new home is always an option for you - so why not view this home first and see how much money you can save?

15267 Main St., Venedocia

If you like the character and spaciousness of an early 1900s home, youll love what this desirable one has to offer. It even comes with a 26 x 60 garage and a floored attic in the house for a ton of storage! Note: A $2,000 floor covering allowance is available to buyer.

Outstanding custom built home at the east edge of Van Wert. 3.3 Acre lot with a beautiful pond and gorgeous landscaping. This ranch has approx. 1,800 sq. ft. on main level & 1,700 sq. ft. mostly finished basement, 3 fireplaces, spectacular view of the pond from the great room, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, beautiful oak kitchen, cathedral ceilings, family room & bar/game room in basement, 3 car attached garage. Very nice 28 x 48 building with porch. 1 owner, immaculate, looks new. Call Dale Butler 419-203-5717.

13821 Jennings Rd., Van Wert:

12238 Greenville Rd., Van Wert:

Sharp and impressive contemporary home located on the golf course with terrific views. With a combination of cathedral, vaulted and tray ceilings you will be impressed with all the amenities and upgrades. Building a new home is always an option for you - so why not view this home first and see how much money you can save?

10999 Rogers Rd. Van Wert:

Well 2007 - New Roof - 2009, newer kitchen & windows, 4 bedrooms, nice huge pole building with cement floor and heaters. Very close to town. Note: Buyer to pay for propane in tank at closing.

11264 Greenvile Rd. Van Wert:

Great location 1 mile south of Van Wert, this home has lots of upgrades, approx 2,080 sq. ft., full basement, central air, nice open porch, newer roof and new 5 car garage.

19083 Plum St., Venedocia:

Very affordable house that is ready to move into. With maintenance free exterior and attractive interior youll find this home to be very desirable. Payments could be as low as $322 per month for a qualified buyer.

(419) 605-8300

122 N. Washington St., Van Wert, OH

www.BeeGeeRealty.com

Office:

(419) 238-5555

www.BeeGeeRealty.com
Showcase of Homes The Delphos Herald July 2012 3

Real estate agents can

(MS) Record-low interest rates and record-low housing prices are renewing interest in the floundering housing market for many people. Now could be the time to sell and buy a new home and earn an even bigger slice of tfhe real estate pie. Whether an individual is a buyer or a seller, or doing both, his or her goal is to get the best financial deal on the home -- and often that means having a qualified real estate agent working in his or her corner. Those entering the real estate realm may have misconceptions about whats involved. Oftentimes, individuals think they can go it alone and save money on real estate commissions in the process. However, not having a knowledgeable agent to navigate the process can end up costing more money in the long run. An agent is not there just to open up houses for viewing or to simply put a for-sale sign on the front lawn. Agents guide the seller or buyer through a complicated process of legalities and emotional hurdles. The agent also negotiates for the buyer and seller to help them make important financial decisions. When sellers are interviewing real estate agents to market their homes, their primary focus is usually on the advertising that the agent will offer them, says Jessica Goodbody of Weichert Realtors. Advertising is important, but, once sellers have an offer, they need a strong negotiator to help them get the best price and terms. Buyers should also look for agents who have strong negotiating skills and neighborhood knowledge which will help them make the most of their purchasing power. Individuals can expect a real estate agent to help them navigate a process that, to first-time buyers or sellers, can prove intimidating.

help save

buyers and sellers money

place in trust or work with a real estate attorney on behalf of the buyer. 7. The agent may be present during a home inspection, which is recommended. 8. The agent will then schedule the home appraisal. 9. He or she will then confirm the closing and be present at closing with the buyer and the attorney, if necessary.

Selling a Home
1. The real estate agent will meet with the sellers and evaluate the home and property. 2. He or she will do a market analysis to figure out the best price to list the house based on the neighborhood and comparable sales. 3. The agent may make suggestions for repairs or improvements that can help make the home more attractive to buyers. 4. The real estate agent may present a marketing plan that indicates where the home will be advertised. 5. He or she will write up a listing agreement and begin the process of marketing the home. 6. An open house for real estate brokers may be scheduled, also a caravan of brokers from the agents own real estate office and surrounding affiliates. 7. An open house for buyers will be scheduled. 8. The agent will field calls from other agents and notify the seller when a viewing request has been made. 9. Follow-up feedback can be offered, which may include information the agent receives by making calls to people who viewed the home or by tracking how many potential buyers viewed the home listing. 10. When an offer comes in, the agent will notify the sellers and advise him or her of the negotiation process. 11. The agent will be present during the home inspection, if the buyer requests one. 12. The agent will schedule with the city or town to have a certificate of occupancy inspection conducted. 13. The seller will be notified by the agent when the buyer has obtained a mortgage commitment and made good faith deposits. 14. The agent will likely be present at the home closing with the real estate attorneys. Individuals buying or selling a home can certainly do it by themselves, but real estate agents have the knowledge and provide assistance through the myriad steps of the process, helping individuals to save time and money.

Buying a Home
1. Schedule a consultation to discuss what features and amenities buyer is looking for in a home. 2. The agent may suggest buyers speak with a mortgage consultant to figure out their buying power and obtain a mortgage pre-approval letter. 3. The agent will then look up home listings in a particular price range and help the buyers to view the homes. 4. When buyers find a home they want to purchase, the real estate agent will help them come up with a fair market price and write up the contract to present to the seller. 5. The agent will help the buyer negotiate on the final price with the seller. 6. In some states, the agent will accept a down payment to

4 Showcase of Homes The Delphos Herald July 2012

SIEFKER
PUBLIC AUCTION

AARON SIEFKER, Real Estate Broker/Auctioneer Ottawa (419) 538-6184 Office (419) 235-0789 Mobile
AGENTS: MARLENE BECKETT DAN LIMBER KIM LIMBER JOAN ZIMMERLY DARREL YODER DAN BAKER

Complete Real Estate & Auction Service

Real Estate & Auction Co. Ottawa, OH

Find us on the web @ www.siefkerauctions.com

SATURDAY * JULY 28th, 2012 10:00 A.M. Sharp! AUCTION LOCATION: ON SITE @ 7979 Agerter Rd. Delphos, Ohio

FARMLAND & HOMESTEAD @ PUBLIC AUCTION

40 +/- ACRES

Section 2 Amanda Twp. Allen County, OH

NEW LISTING! VERY NICE BRICK RANCH HOME w/ATTACHED GARAGE 110 BURLINGTON PLACE, LIMA, OH Off of Cable Road in Sherwood Park Subdivision Near UNOH Campus. Built 1968 Nicely Kept and Updated w/ 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, 1564 Sq. Ft. Living & Family Room, Kitchen/ Dinette, Utility, Fireplace, Newer Driveway, NICE HOME * GOOD LOCATION * ELIDA SCHOOLS

HOMES FOR SALE

PARCEL #1: 3-4 Bedroom Homestead Home 1372 Sq. Ft, Includes Kitchen, Dining Room, Living Room, Full Bath, Partial Basement, Hot Water Furnace, Unit Air, Metal Pole Barn & Livestock Barn w/ Lean to at 7979 Agerter Rd. Delphos, OH, Shawnee Schools, Total of 40 Acres +/- Mostly Blount and Pewamo Soils, Tiled on 50 Owners: ADAM FAMILY Et. Al. 3 Joyce Nance / Brent Adam / Linda Hamric

SEE PICTURES & MORE DETAILS ON THE WEB OR CALL FOR BROCHURES
WALK TO CHURCH & SCHOOL 205 N. BROAD ST., KALIDA, OH 1 Story w/ many updates over the last several years. 3 Bedroom, Full Bath, Eat-in Kitchen, Family Room, Living room, Enclosed Porch, Open Front Porch, 66x132 Lot, Kalida Schools NEW UPDATES!! PRIVATE PEACEFUL COUNTRY SETTING 11946 St Rt 613 * OTTAWA, OHIO

NEW LISTING! 3 BEDROOM OTTAWA HOME 521 E. FOURTH ST. * OTTAWA, OH 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Frame Home w/ Living Room, Sitting Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, Rear Breezeway w/ Attached 2 Car Garage Built 1999, Nice Front Sitting Porch, Updated Vinyl Siding, Newer Roof and Windows, O-G Schools

UPDATED KALIDA COUNTRY RANCH 15680 SR 115, COLUMBUS GROVE, OHIO Updated Ranch Home, Built 1971 w/ 1848 Sq. Ft., 3 Nice Size Bedrooms- 1 Master Suite, 2 Full Baths, Kitchen w/ Dinette-Nicely Updated, Living Room, Utility Room, Attached 2 Car Finished Garage, Great Patio for Entertaining, Vinyl Siding, Replacement Windows/ Doors, Good Roof, Kalida Schools

GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD SPACIOUS LIVING! 215 MOHAWK DRIVE OTTAWA, OH Brick-Vinyl Ranch w/ 1276 Sq Ft Living Area, Large family room open to the dining area w/ windows across back to enjoy the view of large backyard. Kitchen w/ white cabinets includes appliances, 3 bedrooms-one being a master suite, Attached garage w/ Storage, O-G Schools

1 Story, 3 Bedroom, Vinyl & Brick Sided Home w/ 2,120 Sq. Ft., Plus 650 Sq. Ft. Partially Finished Basement, Nice Kitchen w/ Corian Countertops, Family Room w/ Fireplace, Living Room w/ Crown Molding, 1 Baths, Large Utility w/ Built In Cabinets, Beautiful Large Rec Room w/ Cathedral Ceiling, Ceramic Tile & 5 Person Hot Tub, Large Attached Garage, Extra 30 x 30 Storage Building, Rear Deck, Rear Patio w/ Brick Path to the Acre Pond, MC - NC Schools

4.63 ACRES * IN GLANDORF CORPORATION * GREAT LOCATION!! Frontage on US 224 * Many Great Possibilities ******************************************************************************* I.O.O.F. BUILDING-DOWNTOWN OTTAWA-NEXT TO COURTHOUSE > ** ENERGY STAR PEFORMANCE BUILDING!! ** < They are investing in several other projects to reach even a better energy rating! Call our office for more details!!!
Three Story Office Building * First Floor Street Grade, Presently Used for Fraternity Lodge / Commercial Office Building, Accessible from Main St., Court St., and Rear Alley, Elevator 1-3 Floors, Village Water & Sewer, Gas & Electric Utilities, Most Units on Ground Floor Have Own Entrance, Restrooms on All Floors, 8095.5 Sq. Ft. Per Floor, Standing Seam Roof,

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

227 E MAIN ST. * OTTAWA, OH

WE HAVE SEVERAL POTENTIAL BUILDING LOTS FOR SALE

> > Call for more info!!!! < <

SEE MORE OF OUR LISTINGS @ www.sifkerauctions.com

Showcase of Homes The Delphos Herald July 2012 5

Get the

(MS)The housing market has not yet rebounded to pre-recession prices, when buyers seemed to be stepping over one another to bid up the price of homes. Todays sellers may be lucky to get asking price, with the reality being a certain percentage below. However, that doesnt mean sellers should accept bottom-of-thebarrel offers. There are still ways to get the best price possible on an offered home. With sellers hoping to get the most possible for a home and buyers interested in spending the least, its sometimes a battle of wills when it comes to hashing out a confirmed price in the world of real estate. Sellers who wonder whether theyll struggle to get a good offer can hedge their bets in the right direction by employing a few strategies. * What you see is what you get: Its difficult to change first impressions. If a potential buyer pulls up to a home that doesnt give them warm and fuzzy feelings immediately, it may be hard to eventually sway opinion of the home -- even if its pristine on the inside. Individuals do judge a book by its cover, which means that effort should be put into making a homes exterior as appealing as possible. Landscaping should be neat and lush. There shouldnt be any obstacles leading to the front of the home. Items that look in disrepair should be mended. Curb appeal does matter. * Use a real estate agent: Many people forgo this step, thinking they can sell their home just as well without an agent and not have to pay commission in the process. A real estate agent is schooled in the process of negotiating the price of an offered home. In fact, the more a homes selling price, the higher the agents profit. Thats incentive right there. Furthermore, agents know the aver-

best price

when selling a home

age prices of similar homes and can help a seller price and market a property correctly. That may add up to a faster sale (and a better offer). * Price it competitively: Some sellers think the higher they price their home the more money theyll get for it. The fact is, the longer an overpriced home sits on the market, the less appealing it will appear to buyers. Individuals looking for a home may repeatedly see the listing and wonder whats wrong with the home. Even if its the best home in the neighborhood, it may be seen as a red flag thats best avoided. * Give people what they want: Buyers often prefer updated kitchens and bathrooms. Most buyers out there are not looking for handyman specials. They want a relatively turn-key property. A kitchen or bathroom that is an eyesore can repel potential buyers. Home shoppers may be more inclined to go closer to asking price if some of the bigger-ticket items are already completed. * Dont be an open book: If a buyer knows that time is of the essence or the home is priced to sell, he or she may sense that desperation, almost guaranteeing a low-ball offer. Sellers shouldnt let on too much about their reasons for selling or make it seem like theyll be in dire straights if the home doesnt sell quickly. Selling a home under duress is not likely to cause prospective buyers to pony up. * Dont be afraid to counter-offer: A buyer who is excited to get an offer on a home in a slow market, but feels the offer is below value, should definitely counter-offer. While the buyer may not accept the counter, he or she may make another offer that is more to the sellers liking.

The basics of property taxes

(MS) Paying property taxes is a necessary side effect of home ownership. Across the United States and Canada, residents are required to pay property taxes based on an assessment of their homes value. Taxes on land and the buildings on it are one of the biggest sources of revenue for local governments. In the United States, property taxes are not imposed by the states, but by the smaller governing bodies in cities, towns, townships, counties, and other jurisdictions. In Canada, property taxes, or milliage taxes, are levied by the jurisdiction in which the property is located. They may be paid to a federated state or a municipality or the national government. Sometimes multiple jurisdictions may tax the same property. Although the taxes are mandated by a higher governing power, the rate at which you pay taxes could be based on a very local assessment of the area in which your house is located and the current market conditions. An assessor will visit a home -- usually prior to purchase -- and make a determination on the percentage of tax to be paid depending on the condition of the home, the improvements that have been made and the climate of the economy in your particular town or city. Property taxes are usually calculated by taking the assessed value of your home and multiplying it by the tax rate that has been determined by your local government. While no one can legally escape paying property taxes, there are several ways to have them lowered. Getting your home re-assessed is one such way. Individuals who have reached a certain age may be eligible for certain discounts on property taxes. But this may require a very low income to qualify. There are also some tax credits or homestead exemptions that may qualify you for a limited assessed value on the property. According to data from the Tax Foundation and Forbes, areas of New Jersey, New York and Illinois boast some of the highest property taxes. Residents of Hunterdon County, New Jersey paid on average $8,600 a year between 2005 and 2009. Those in Lake County, Illinois pay around $6,500. People living in Westchester County, New York can plan on spending $8,400 per year. Statistics

indicate that homes located in Ontario cities in central Canada have the highest property taxes. Toronto residents, for example, pay an average of $3,900. In this tough economy, lowering property taxes (which are generally rolled into the mortgage amount for ease of payment) could substantially reduce bills. As many as 60 percent of properties across the United States are overassessed, according to the National Taxpayers Union, a nonprofit group that promotes lower taxes. If you suspect your property taxes are high, here are the steps to take. * Get a copy of your property tax assessment from the local assessors office and double-check all the information contained to see if it is correct. * Check the assessments of five comparable homes that have sold in your neighborhood in the last three years. * An independent appraiser can also provide you accurate information at a cost. Make sure he or she is licensed with the National Association of Independent Fee Appraisers or by the American Society of Appraisers. * Its not possible to lower the property tax rate, just the assessed value of the home through an official appeal. There may be fees associated with this appeal, however. Some home improvements will increase the value of your home and, in turn, your property taxes. Here are some of the most common culprits: - extra stories to the home - outhouses, like a guest house - sports courts, like tennis - installation of an inground pool - improvements to fencing - addition of a garage or another room on the home A change in the status of a neighborhood can also give rise to higher property taxes. An influx of new residents or new construction of stores and homes can have a major effect on the assessed value of your home.

6 Showcase of Homes The Delphos Herald July 2012

Top tips

for the best first impression

formulation for our Clear Choice selective herbicide, for example, contains up to 85 percent less active ingredients as compared to other products using the same ingredients. As importantly, microtechnology built into the formulation creates much smaller droplets that more efficiently deliver the herbicide to the plant. Clear Choice is effective on over 60 varieties of broadleaf weeds, killing them quickly while being friendly to your lawn. In addition to beautifying your lawn, try these quick tricks to give your home instant curb appeal: * Scrape and spot-paint problem areas. This might be a temporary fix, but even a touch up is better than peeling paint. * Add colour by planting some annuals in the front yard flowerbeds. * Replace or paint rusty fixtures like the mailbox, railings, house number, and more. * Tackle pesky weeds on interlock paths and driveway. Use hand sprays for targeted jobs, or larger jugs for a big surface area. More information at www.todaysclearchoice.com. * Install lighting along your walkways and steps, or to spotlight the shape and architecture.

(MS) -- Its called curb appeal, that good impression people get of your home when they pull up in a car, or when walking by. Real estate agents can be as pleased with exterior curb appeal as they are with a well-maintained house on the inside. When it comes to residential property value, this book is indeed judged by its cover. Exterior trouble areas include peeling paint; rotting wood on window frames; buckled roof shingles; overgrown shrubs; ignored lawns; and weeds growing through interlock paths, steps and the driveway. The lawns and landscaping that frame our home are as important as the quality inside, says Reinie Drygala, lawncare products manager for Clear Choice, a leading name in innovative garden products. And the good news is: when it comes to first impressions just a few little tips and tricks can make a big difference quickly. If youre frustrated about overgrown weeds, for example, the newest herbicide technology is tackling that, Drygala continued. Now there are alternatives to traditional herbicides that effectively kill weeds, but also provide the homeowner with options if they are looking for ways to have less impact on the environment. The

Showcase of Homes The Delphos Herald July 2012 7

 Low closing costs Local service ensures fast approvals and closings Specialties in first-time homebuyer and construction loans Numerous mortgage products to help put you in the house of your dreams

Lima Delphos Wapakoneta Ottawa St. Marys

SuperiorFCU.com

Michelle Snyder 419-879-3491

NMLS #221256

John Fisher 419-879-3489

NMLS #747433

Joe Laudick 419-879-4840

NMLS #747437

Philip L. Schumann 419-879-4839

NMLS #218066

Timothy A. Sprague 419-879-3497

NMLS #747451

Mark Stechschulte 419-879-3493

NMLS #747452

8 Showcase of Homes The Delphos Herald July 2012