Posts in category 'News'

I love a good candy bar just as much as the next person, so the thought of trick or treating being put on hold because of Covid-19 has me looking for a Snickers®. This year has been a little too heavily favored in the "trick" category for my taste.

With everyday feeling like Halloween as people run around in masks, we definitely deserve some treats, and I'm not talking about a few pennies or an apple and a toothbrush. I'm talking about a stash of candy that when you open the bag, an aroma of sugary goodness bellows into your face, instantly causing you to close your eyes and smile from the confectionary cloud you just absorbed. You can smell the sugar already can't you?

Just like with everything else this year, we've had to "pivot" in order to enjoy the normal things in life and Halloween should not be the same. So, if you're wondering how to safely handle the ghouls and ghosts looking for gummy goodies, here are three different ways your neighborhood can celebrate...

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So that was an interesting Presidential debate…am I right? Like many of you, I sat, watching, hoping that policy and ideals would be discussed, lending insight into the stance for both individuals. But it is 2020…what was I thinking? The chaotic first Presidential debate was very fitting for this year we are having.

Personally, I was hoping the two candidates read my last article and would address their stances on how the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) would impact our communities, a topic I unbiasedly brought to your attention with the last column. Whether you are blue or red, the reality is that in the upcoming election, our great suburban neighborhoods have become targeted for change by some social reformers.

If you need a refresher, go back to my column two weeks ago and read about how we got to where we are. Go ahead….I'll wait.

(cue elevator music)

So what does this all mean? From my perspective, reenacting AFFH would have a...

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While more and more people are exercising their freedom of speech by outwardly expressing who they are voting for in November, the influence of the suburbs on this election goes much deeper than a sign in a yard. To understand why the suburbs and the opportunities extended to people to live in them are going to be an important topic in this year's election, we must first go back to where it all started.

(cue the dream-like sound effects and screen blur)

In 1968, Congress passed the Fair Housing Act outlawing the refusal to sell or rent to any person because of race, color, disability, religion, sex, familial status, or national origin, something we can all agree is a good thing. The responsibility for enforcing this Act lies with the Office of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Justice. For over 50 years, the Act has been successful in preventing and remedying unlawful discrimination in the housing market.

However, prior to leaving offi...

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Youngstown Columbiana Association of REALTORS® President Patrick Burgan awarded 2020 REALTOR® of the Year!

Youngstown, OH: The Youngstown Columbiana Association of REALTORS® was honored to present the 2020 YCAR Realtor® of the Year award to 2020 President Patrick Burgan.

"The measure of achievement is doing something that you appreciate, something you believe is worthwhile." – source unknown

It has become a long-standing tradition of YCAR that every year, each member has the opportunity to nominate one person whom they believe fits the award criteria, which includes their involvement in the levels of the REALTOR® organization, their business and educational experience and their community activity. 

The purpose of this award is to recognize and honor a REALTOR® who is an active member of our association who has provided outstanding service to the real estate profession and to their commu...

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A Letter of Thanks

Every other week, as the President of the Youngstown Columbiana Area Realtors®, I write some sort of editorial piece on the state of real estate in our beloved Mahoning Valley. With wisdom and wit, each article is meant to impart some sort of understanding, clarity and knowledge, helping all residents of our Valley feeling confident in their ownership of a home, the process of finding a home and the relationships they have with trust experts, the REALTORS® of our area. We have talked about the impact the stock market has on property values. We have talked about the impact of the Fed's rates have on property values. However, this week's article is directed towards a special group of people who, while they help our communities, may not realize the impact they have on the very home you are sitting in while reading this piece.

To the Heroes of Our Community,
Over the last 4 months, I have watched the heroes I have always hoped would...

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