My daughter's American Dream is about to come true. She is buying a house in our hometown, Painesville, Ohio and will finance it through FHA. I wanted to know EXACTLY what FHA inspectors will look for so I did some research. This is the first time I've seen an actual checklist and I thought this information might also benefit you.
Link to FHA Checklist...
Hope this helps you in the future when trying to determine if a house will pass inspection.
Lately, I think I've been losing my mind. Maybe it's age, maybe it's stress. The article below has given me hope there is something I can do about improving my mushy brain. So, I'm singing and waving my hands around as I type this. Not an easy task.
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ARTICLE... What's the name of your daughter's teacher, and where did you put your keys again? If you've ever wished you could do some simple things to sharpen your memory skills, you can. We've talked to the experts and compiled the latest thinking on improving the muscles in your brain associated with memory.
1. Talk with your hands.
It may sound strange, but waving your hands and gesturing while trying to learn a concept may help your brain remember something important, says Jeff Brown, PsyD, ABPP, coauthor of The Winner's Brain. "Gesturing in a meaningful way while you are learning may help you when recalling the concept," he says. "The idea is that you are storing at least two different types of information about something you'll need to recall later. A good example of this is when kids speak math problems aloud, but also 'work them' in the air." Tactics to try: When you've just learned someone's name, "write" it down on the palm of your hand with your finger. The act of tracing the letters on your palm (discreetly, of course) can help your brain remember it, says Dr. Brown. Or, "Air-write on an imaginary map of your grocery store or mall as you name aloud the items or stores you need to remember when shopping."
2. Take a chill pill.
Learning to calm down and not carry as much stress can help your brain in significant ways, says Elizabeth Lombardo, PhD, PT, a psychologist and physical therapist in Wexford, Pennsylvania, and the author of A Happy You: Your Ultimate Prescription for Happiness. "The best tip to improve your memory is: Reduce your stress," says Dr. Lombardo. "Research shows that when people experience chronic stress, their hippocampus-the part of your brain that is responsible for some memories-literally shrinks in size." In fact, a 2007 study in the journal Neurology by researchers at Rush University Medical School found that people who are easily distressed and had more negative emotions were more likely to develop memory problems than more easygoing people. How to reduce your stress? Consider delegating more tasks at work, clearing your social calendar for the weekend (there's nothing wrong with having nothing on the calendar!) and purging negative relationships from your life.
3. Get plenty of zzz's.
You've heard the concept of "sleeping on it" when you're faced with a problem or difficult decision, right? Well, getting a good night's sleep can help you improve your memory, too. "Sleep is critical for memory consolidation," says Dr. Brown. "Getting at least six hours of uninterrupted sleep following exposure to new information can help in the recall of that information." But there's an important side note: "The trick is going directly to bed without inserting any new information or activity between what you want to recall and going to sleep-no reading, no TV, no sex, no music."
4. Eat more fruits and veggies.
Eating your spinach-and carrots and peas-is not only good for your body, it's good for your memory, too. A recent Harvard study found that people who ate more vegetables had a slower decline of brain function as they aged. "Other studies, such as one published in Pharmacology, have shown that essential brain-boosting nutrients found in certain produce, such as quercetin and anthocyanin, may reverse memory loss," says Tosca Reno, a health and fitness expert and author of the bestselling book The Eat-Clean Diet. You can find these compounds in cruciferous vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli and cabbage, as well as in leafy greens, including kale, spinach and Swiss chard. Also load up on brightly colored produce such as berries, red apples, eggplant and grapes-their bright hue is an indication of their brain-boosting antioxidants.
5. Join a book club.
Not only is reading great for your brain, but discussing what you've read can improve your memory by leaps and bounds, says Sandra Bond Chapman, PhD. In fact, a book club with your closest girlfriends may help strengthen your brain's frontal lobe function. "The frontal lobe is the last region of the brain to develop, but the first to decline with age," explains Dr. Chapman. "To strengthen function of the frontal lobe, engage in deeper-level thinking activities such as interpreting what you read in a book, discussing the ‘larger messages' in the book and pushing to see how many meanings you can derive from it."
6. Go to yoga class.
What can a downward-facing-dog pose do for your memory? A lot, says Gina Norman, a yoga teacher in New York City. "A new study out of the University of North Carolina shows that brief meditative exercise helps cognition and skills essential to critical thinking," she says. But if you're not into yoga, exercise of any kind works to boost your brain, says Dr. Lombardo. "Research shows that exercise increases the blood flow to all areas of your body, including the brain and specifically areas involved in memory," she says. "One study found that mice who exercised grew new brain cells in the dentate gyrus, a part of the hippocampus which can be affected by declines in memory as we get older." Short on time? "Try running up a flight of stairs, jogging to a bathroom that is farther away from you, doing 50 jumping jacks, putting on a great song and dancing around, or grabbing your child's hand and jumping on the bed together."
7. Sniff some rosemary.
Parsley and sage are great, as is thyme, but when it comes to improving memory, rosemary is king. In a recent study, UK researchers looked at scents and how they boosted or detracted from mental performance. They found that office workers whose cubicles were infused with the scent of rosemary had better long-term memory than those in unscented cubes. "There are other essential oils that can help with memory, but rosemary is by far the best and most economical," says Cher Core, an aromatherapist in Boston. "Diffuse rosemary essential oil in the air, wear it in a perfume, use it in mists and more. It is a good choice for those studying and folks who need help with memory, focus and concentration."
8. Pay attention.
Duh, right? It may sound obvious, but according to experts, when most people think they're having memory problems, it's really because they were distracted or didn't record the information in their brain properly to begin with, says Linda Edelstein, PhD, adjunct faculty at Northwestern University and the author of The Art of Midlife. "When people cannot retrieve information it is often because they haven't taken it in in the first place," she says. "You cannot recall information that you did not store." The number-one trick to paying closer attention? Stop multitasking and be fully present. That means setting down the BlackBerry while lunching with your friend, turning off the TV when you're trying to read something and not letting your eyes-or mind-wander when chatting with someone at a party. You'll be more likely to remember the person's name.
9. Learn a new song.
Have you ever found yourself singing along to a song you love that debuted 10 years ago, and yet you still don't know the lyrics? Learning the words could be fun, but it could also be good for your memory in general. By memorizing a song, "you will be working out at least two different kinds of memory, auditory and verbal, which is probably something you don't do very often," says Cynthia Green, PhD, an expert on brain health and memory. "The research suggests that constantly challenging our brains with intellectual pursuits may boost our ‘cognitive reserve' and can have the associated benefit of reducing our dementia risk over the long-term."
10. Go ahead and doodle.
When's the last time you grabbed a pencil and paper and let your mind go-drawing hearts and rainbows, or whatever scene or object popped into your head? Surprisingly, says Dr. Green, a free-flowing pen could be the key to strengthening your brain's memory centers. "Doodling has been found in studies to boost concentration, which is an essential first step to learning and memory," says Dr. Green. "After all, if you can't focus on information, you don't acquire it effectively, and you can never remember something you don't learn in the first place!"
Downtown Painesville
Thursday, September 3rd - 5pm-10pm
Main Street, Downtown Painesville
Come on down to the oldest block in Lake County! Painesville is shutting down historic Main Street on Thursday, September 3 and hosting an end-of-summer bash called Taste of Painesville. Featuring local food, beer, wine and a big free concert in the middle of the street, the party kicks off at 5pm and is open to everyone.
Taste of Painesville is an awesome after work outing or a great way to spend the evening with your family. Each year nearly a dozen local restaurants participate. This years' specialty dishes include stuffed mushrooms, spinach squares, quesadillas, kettle korn, potica nut rolls, kolotchys and more. Of course there will be traditional staples like ribs, burgers, pizza and tacos.
Performing at this years' Taste of Painesville is Andy's Last Band, a local classic rock group sure to rattle a few windows and get the crowd dancing. Local musician David Ross will open.
The Painesville Community Improvement Corporation, organizers of the annual Party in the Park, will be on site selling beer. Your Vine or Mine, the new micro-winery in Downtown Painesville, will be opening its doors for wine aficionados.
Watch Andy and Bernie of Grande Design Floral describe what Taste of Painesville means to them!
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Bank Street, Painesville - We invite everyone to visit our open house at 916 Bank Street on August 22 from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM.
Property information
Conveniently located three-bedroom ranch on a well-manicured corner lot. In great shape… just needs a little updating. Front porch, paved driveway, and fenced-in play area. All appliances stay. Move-in ready and easy to show.
Painesville was settled around 1800 and incorporated as a city in 1832. Numerous examples of historic architecture are found throughout the city. Painesville is located about 30 miles from Cleveland, 2.5 miles from Lake Erie, and about 20-30 minutes from several prize-winning wineries. Painesville is a college football town and home to the Lake Erie College Storms. The city was recently accepted into the Ohio Main Street Program, an elite grassroots group organized to implement historic preservation and economic development in traditional downtowns. Painesville is proud of its new state-of-the-art schools. The three elementary and one middle school buildings were completed within the last two years. The new high school opened in November of 2009.
The City of Painesville and the Downtown Painesville Organization present the Ninth Annual Art in the Park on Saturday, August 21, 2010. The event will take place in the City's beautiful historic Veteran's Park in Downtown Painesville from 11 am to 5 pm.
Art in the Park features local as well as regional artists, whose works represent many media formats, transforming the Veteran's Park tree-lined sidewalks into an outdoor art gallery, bursting with fine art and continuous multi-cultural music, as well as food and refreshments from local restaurants. This fine arts event showcases clay, drawing/pastel, fiber/textiles, furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, watercolor, and wood creations.
Children will enjoy the Painting Contest, an interactive experience designed for children and families to explore the fun of art, sponsored by the City of Painesville and the Downtown Painesville Organization.
The City of Painesville Art in the Park is a juried fine arts event that is free and open to the public. All media at Art in the Park are original works and include arts and crafts of the highest quality.
Mapquest directions
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Mentor-on-the-Lake, Mentor - We invite everyone to visit our open house at 8025 Lake Shore Blvd. on August 8 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Property information
Virtual Tour:
http://8025LakeShore.ChristineHowlett.com
Built in 2000, this beautiful three bedroom, 1.5 bath colonial is move-in ready. The first-level floor plan includes a large living room, kitchen with eating area, laundry room and half bath. Leading from the laundry room is the two-car heated garage and access to the fenced-in dog run. Sliders lead to the large patio, an outdoor oasis. This area is the extent of the outdoor space in back; small but plenty big for outdoor BBQ's and entertaining. Upstairs you'll find a very large master bedroom, two smaller but ample-sized bedrooms, and a full bath with double sinks. Gorgeous maple cabinetry, ceramic tile flooring and solid surface counters are found in the kitchen, laundry room and upstairs bathroom. The overall feel of this house is much larger than indicated by the square footage.
Enjoy the front porch overlooking the beautifully landscaped and manicured yard. The outdoor space in the rear of the house consists of the patio and driveway only; very little yard work to worry about!
An added bonus to this lovely house is access to a private beach club. Dues are only $45/year. Take a walk along Lake Erie, watch the sunset, or have a party... the choice is yours.
Each year the Lake & Geauga Area Association of REALTORS® (LGAAR) recognizes a member who has provided outstanding service to the Association, their profession and the community. This year LGAAR is proud to announce that Christine Hart Howlett has been named the 2010 REALTOR® of the Year.
Christine became a REALTOR® in 2004 after retiring from the Lubrizol Corporation where she was a Project Specialist. Since becoming a REALTOR®, Christine has been able to become more active in her community and uses her passion to help promote a positive change within that community. Aside from her real estate business Christine is a member of the Downtown Painesville Organization, Painesville Chamber of Commerce, Painesville Community Improvement Corporation, and served on the Economic Restructuring Committee.
Christine has served on the LGAAR Board of Directors for the past four years and the Ohio Association of REALTORS® Board of Directors for the last three years. Being a member of the LGAAR Finance Committee and chairing the LGAAR REALTORS® Political Action Committee has prepared her for her role as President-Elect in 2009-2010 and, more importantly, as upcoming LGAAR President in 2011.
The recipient of the LGAAR REALTOR® of the Year Award is chosen by the members of the Association and criteria such as local, state, and national Association activities, business and educational experience, and civic activities are measured.
Christine has lived in Painesville for 34 years with her husband Don. They have two daughters and four grandchildren.
• 1,400 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm colonial - $149,995
Mentor-on-the-Lake, Mentor - Built in 2000, this beautiful three bedroom, 1.5 bath colonial is move-in ready.
View Virtual Tour... http://8025LakeShore.ChristineHowlett.com
Built in 2000, this beautiful three bedroom, 1.5 bath colonial is move-in ready. The first-level floor plan includes a large living room, kitchen with eating area, laundry room and half bath. Leading from the laundry room is the two-car heated garage and access to the fenced-in dog run. Sliders lead to the large patio, an outdoor oasis. This area is the extent of the outdoor space in back; small but plenty big for outdoor BBQ's and entertaining. Upstairs you'll find a very large master bedroom, two smaller but ample-sized bedrooms, and a full bath with double sinks. Gorgeous maple cabinetry, ceramic tile flooring and solid surface counters are found in the kitchen, laundry room and upstairs bathroom. The overall feel of this house is much larger than indicated by the square footage.
Enjoy the front porch overlooking the beautifully landscaped and manicured yard. The outdoor space in the rear of the house consists of the patio and driveway only; very little yard work to worry about!
An added bonus to this lovely house is access to a private beach club. Dues are only $45/year. Take a walk along Lake Erie, watch the sunset, or have a party... the choice is yours.
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Bank Street, Painesville - Visit my open house at 916 Bank Street on July 18 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM to see this darling three-bedroom ranch-style home.
Property information
Conveniently located three-bedroom ranch on a well-manicured corner lot. In great shape… just needs a little updating. Front porch, paved driveway, and fenced-in play area. All appliances stay. Move-in ready and easy to show. Only a ten-minute drive to Lake Erie. Priced well at $99,900.
Painesville was settled around 1800 and incorporated as a city in 1832. Numerous examples of historic architecture are found throughout the city. Painesville is located about 30 miles from Cleveland, 2.5 miles from Lake Erie, and about 20-30 minutes from several prize-winning wineries. Painesville is a college football town and home to the Lake Erie College Storms. The city was recently accepted into the Ohio Main Street Program, an elite grassroots group organized to implement historic preservation and economic development in traditional downtowns. Painesville is proud of its new state-of-the-art schools. The three elementary and one middle school buildings were completed within the last two years. The new high school opened in November of 2009.
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Painesville Township, Painesville - We invite everyone to visit our open house at 88 Bryn Mawr on July 11 from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM. Check out the Virtual Tour at http://www.christinehowlett.com/Listing/VirtualTour.ashx?ListingID=18883096
Property information
This large rambling three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath ranch is located on a gorgeous well-landscaped lot. The ten rooms of living space include a large living room with built-in shelving and French doors leading to the family room and fireplace. Off the kitchen is the morning room where you can enjoy your first cup of coffee and plan your day. The large bright sunroom leads to the private hot tub room dedicated to relaxation. The beautiful fenced back yard includes a 26 x 16 deck and storage shed. An in-ground sprinkler system is installed in the front. The full basement is partially finished and is accessible from outside. The oversized two-car garage and large paved driveway allow for lots of guest parking. Bryn Mawr is located across from the Riverside High School campus.
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Painesville Township, Painesville - We invite everyone to visit our open house at 1070 Bank Street on July 11 from 2:30 AM to 4:00 AM. Check out the Virtual Tour at... http://www.christinehowlett.com/Listing/VirtualTour.ashx?ListingID=17334236
Property information
Beautifully maintained three-bedroom ranch and a whole lot more! This house includes a large addition that is currently used as an office. The office has a separate entrance, furnace, electrical (200-amp) and security system, plus a full bathroom and conference room. The house has two full bathrooms, two fireplaces, security system, and hardwood floors throughout. Some rooms are currently carpeted. The three bedrooms offer custom built-in closet systems. The finished basement includes a large family room with beautiful custom bar and plank paneling, display wall, six-man sauna, large laundry room, office, and craft room. Most of the basement windows are glass block. The gorgeous park-like yard includes a large deck, koi pond, gazebo, beautiful landscaping, and full-yard in-ground sprinkler system. If you want to work from home, but don’t want the office in your house this may be just what you’re looking for. This space could also be converted to an in-law or teen suite - many possibilities.
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Painesville Township, Painesville - We invite everyone to visit our open house at 1070 Bank Street on June 13 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
Property information
Beautifully maintained three-bedroom ranch and a whole lot more! This house includes a large addition that is currently used as an office. The office has a separate entrance, furnace, electrical (200-amp) and security system, plus a full bathroom and conference room. The house has two full bathrooms, two fireplaces, security system, and hardwood floors throughout. Some rooms are currently carpeted. The three bedrooms offer custom built-in closet systems. The finished basement includes a large family room with beautiful custom bar and plank paneling, display wall, six-man sauna, large laundry room, office and craft room. Most of the basement windows are glass block. The gorgeous park-like yard includes a large deck, koi pond, gazebo, beautiful landscaping, and full-yard inground sprinkler system. If you want to work from home, but don't want the office in your house this may be just what you're looking for. This space could also be converted to an in-law or teen suite.
• 2,076 sq. ft., 3 bath, 3 bdrm single story - Full finished basement and multiple office space - 
MLS® $199,900
Painesville Township, Painesville - Beautifully maintained three-bedroom ranch and a whole lot more! This house includes a large addition that is currently used as an office. The office has a separate entrance, furnace, electrical (200-amp) and security system, plus a full bathroom and conference room. The house has two full bathrooms, two fireplaces, security system, and hardwood floors throughout. Some rooms are currently carpeted. The three bedrooms offer custom built-in closet systems. The finished basement includes a large family room with beautiful custom bar and plank paneling, display wall, six-man sauna, large laundry room, office, and craft room. Most of the basement windows are glass block. The gorgeous park-like yard includes a large deck, koi pond, gazebo, beautiful landscaping, and full-yard in-ground sprinkler system.
If you want to work from home, but don’t want the office in your house this may be just what you’re looking for. This space could also be converted to an in-law or teen suite - unlimited possibilities.
Property information
I just watched an online video that shows how copiers, of all things, are a HUGE security risk. The data of every copy made is stored on a hard drive which, if not erased can be easily read with a simple conversion application. This video shows how the information you trust to be secure is anything but!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iC38D5am7go
Very scarey stuff!
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Geauga County, Ohio - Visit my open house at 16535 Rock Creek Road in Thompson, Ohio on April 18 from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM.
Property information
Enjoy country living when you make 16535 Rock Creek your home. This three bedroom ranch is move-in ready! The first features that will strike you are the beautiful hardwood floors and wood-burning fireplace! The dining room opens to a large deck where you’ll enjoy the pastoral view of the barn and one acre property. The kitchen includes a breakfast bar, all appliances, and lots of work space. Updates include the recently insulated attic (2009), remodeled bathroom (2008), septic system (2002), and glass block windows in the full basement. The two-car garage is attached. The septic system recently passed inspection by the Geauga County Health Department. This property qualifies for USDA financing. Rural setting only 15 minutes from Madison, Painesville and Chardon.
Capitalize on the $6,500-$8,000 tax credit with a contract negotiated by April 30.