Gary Collins, dryer exhaust expert, answers questions about how to have an energy efficient clothes dryer   Akron, OH - As with any new appliance purchase, consumers are concerned with energy efficiency with they choose a new model.  Gary Collins, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard in Greater Cleveland, Ohio, was recently interviewed.   When asked what to look for in a clothes dryer, Gary said, "Your clothes dryer is one of the most expensive appliances to operate.  The most energy efficient feature on new models is the automatic sensors that shut the dryer off when the clothes are dry.  Not only does this prevent over-drying your clothes so they last longer; it also keeps the dryer from running longer than it needs to, saving energy."   The next question we asked Gary was about gas versus elec... 05/19/2009

 WELCOME SPRING, WHEN LIFE COMES ALIVE IN EVERYTHING!   The Spring Real Estate Market is upon us-and it did arrive. The phone is ringing! Our DeHOFF office is busy and it feels terrific. We Realtors are out in full force and it is so nice to see everyone literally running through the office halls again- working contracts, hurrying to showing appointments and all the various details that never seem to stop when we are in the Spring market. We had the faith. We hoped it would not pass us by. Like clockwork it arrived by early March. Is it just the promise of warm sunny days and colorful landscaping coming alive that brings the buyers out? I think that is always part of the allure of considering a home purchase. Spring is a time of renewal and change. In chilly Ohio, we also have had much ... 03/13/2009

                                                                                The Temple of Heaven in Beijing,        built in 1420, has no straight            lines - a Feng Shui characteristic   I am a REALTOR in Canton, Ohio not Canton, China- so I need some help. I would love to learn more about FENG SHUI. I have read about it many times, and often participated in discussions about it. As a REALTOR who works with New Construction, I have had clients who built with Feng Shui in mind. My recent open house allowed me to discuss it with someone who knows much more than me. It has renewed my interest in learning much more. The potential open house buyer was Asian and "the where" was important to him. It would allow a home purchase consideration or deem it unsuitable- and forgotten. Tha... 02/11/2009

As I sit at my computer, flipping between real estate work and the CNN site, I have many other thoughts in my cluttered brain. I am not alone in having the economy foremost on my mind. Those of us in the Housing Industry wait impatiently as we check our favorite news media to get updates on the current stimulus status. The industry I am proudly apart of, has much on the line. All Americans do, of course. For my fellow Realtors and I-we are homeowners and real estate business owners. We live the American Dream and we help others live the American Dream of Home ownership. We strongly believe that what we have lobbied for is needed, as nothing else seems to make sense, given the current problem with the U.S. economy. So in my easily distracted brain fog, I goggled Stimulus. This is one of ... 02/10/2009

Spring is coming-have faith! The winter thaw is here and even with the risk of a little more snow or ice, the worse should be behind us.  With Valentines Day approaching this weekend, thoughts of love is in the air- and also SPRING FEVER. Some of us head south for a little touch of warm weather and get inspired to get the warm weather wardrobe ready when we return. Others do the home wardrobe change. The best way to welcome the season change is do a little home decor change. Add some fresh spring colors to your home. Go meek or wild.  Done right, it will wear well right into the end of summer. Subtle changes are all you need. Fresh colors do not have to mean bright colors, either. And it can be done on a budget! No need to hire a personal decorator. And if you need that guidance, take a... 02/09/2009

The ART'S are exploding in Canton-HAVE YOU HEARD? Canton, Ohio is just one of 2 U.S. stops for the Kimono Exhibition in 2009. Featuring the beautiful designs of Itchiku Kubota, we are in good company with the other presentation city-San Diego, California. The biography of the late Itchiku Kubota is a fascinating one. Members of his family have spent time in Canton, during this set up and introduction to the Canton Museum. Local officials say that they expect visitors from as far away as Toronto to come view the exhibit. Today's edition (2/9/08) of The Canton Repository reports that "Incredible"& "Cool" are among the words uttered by those who had the earlier views of the exhibit that opened this past weekend. A personal favorite is the Symphony of Light, which depicts the changing seas... 02/09/2009

THIS SPEAKS TO ALL CONCERNED AMERICANS-WE ALL NEED TO "SCREAM IT FROM THE ROOF TOP" THAT HOUSING HAS TO BE A PRIORITY IN THE CURRENT SENATE TALKS: The Great News is that we are making progress! However, we must continue to follow through. Even if you recently made a call or send an email to your Senator, do it again. Today would be best. I speak to all REALTORS, AFFILIATE REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS,CITIZENS WHO OWN HOMES or WANT TO OWN A HOME, ANYONE WHO OWNS ANY BUSINESS or WORKS FOR AN INDUSTRY THAT IS CURRENTLY AFFECTED BY THE ECONOMY- OR COULD YET BE AFFECTED BY THE SERIOUS SITUATION AT HAND. Housing fuels all things economy and sadly, the previous mistake made are a big reason why our country is in its present condition. This is for all of us to act upon... so please follow through ... 02/07/2009

        YOUR house won't sell!.... WHY?? ....likely price The number one reason a home does not sell is price. However, put your "buyer's eyes" on and take a good hard look at a few other considerations first. Look at CONDITION. Sometimes the upgrades buyers demand are just not in your budget. If your home has older counter tops in the kitchen for example, then you need to play up the benefits your home does offer. Great inspiring tips can easily be seen on HGTV and similar.  If you have a friend who is creative, recruit help! And there are the simple things to consider.  Do you need to clean and deodorize the carpet, paint the walls, clean the cabinetry, re-caulk the kitchen and bath, weed the flower beds? What about the biggie...DE-CLUTTER???  Too much "stuff" can hide the home that ... 02/05/2009

ARE YOU STILL RENTING? Why Rent? It is time to invest in your future... and not your landlords.            Living the American Dream of Home Ownership is what we all dream of, especially when we are just about ready to move from the safe sanctuary of where we grew up-HOME. Along the way, carefree youth,starting wages and lack of credit keep us a few steps away from "making the move". We simply rent and life seems good.  But now the time has arrived! Life is about Change. You are all grown up now or perhaps life has finally become stable for you. Have you done the math?  No matter if you are renting on your own or sharing rent with others-the numbers still add up to WOW! Consider this: Just $550. a month for 5 years adds up to $33,000. dollars in rent money that you have nothing to show ... 02/04/2009

I spoke with 2 employees of National City Bank today and they both were confident that the future looks solid and stable now and also said they were spending most of the day reassuring clients that were a little paranoid. I certainly wish them the best and hope they continue with their employment in light of the anouncement that NCC is laying off 4,000 workers.  I would assume some cutback in addition to the employee layoff such as renegotiation of office space and reduction of branches. The silver lining on this purchase for PNC is that they are the perfect suitor with little to no overlap in the Pennsylvania to Ohio markets.   The details of the transaction are approx. 5.6 Billion in a cash and stock deal.  The value of NCC's stock in this purchase is $2.23 and shareholders will recei... 10/24/2008