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Amazing Grace

"Amazing" Grace
Marie Rossignol-Dillon

 

Our mother Grace Marie Rossignol-Dillon who was "Amazing" (her whole life to those who knew her) and a resident of Birchwood retirement center had been very ill. She was resting comfortably when Mary Jo and I left to come home at 2:00 a.m. Thursday morning.  I took a call from Susan the nurse at Birchwood at 3:00 a.m. and she said mom was leaving now. We jumped into my van and headed back. Mom passed just moments before we could return. The hospice nurse Judy, bless her heart, said mom peacefully stopped breathing.

 

She is now out of pain and at peace with Our Lord, my dad Gerard and step dad Dick.

May God bless the soul of Grace Marie Rossignol-Dillon who was a living saint to many. An absolute Angel on earth!

 

Gary & Mary Jo Rossignol

Theresa Fields

Janel & Tina Rossignol 

 

P.S. Grace loved the West Chester Symphony Orchestra and BlueStone Ivory. She would attend most of our concerts at Keehner Park until she physically couldn't come any longer. I always took her copies of our videos and recordings so she could see and hear each of our concerts.

 

Visitation will be held at Hodapp Funeral Home, 8815 Cincinnati-Columbus Rd. (Rt. 42), West Chester, Monday from 5 to 8 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial, Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. at St. Michael Church, 11144 Spinner Ave., Cinti, Oh 45241.

Donations may be made to Hospice of Cincinnati or St. Michael Church.

If you prefer to send flowers may I suggest calling Lutz Flowers 513-921-0561

 

 

Ohio Real Estate Trivia

I thought it would be fun to kick off the week with a little real estate trivia.  Real estate is local and is regulated on the local level through the state department of commerce so this may not apply in  other states.  In Ohio if a person plants crops and then sells their property they are entitled to come back and harvest the crops.  They own the crops. 

 

Crops that can be harvested are considered personal property. Crops that cannot be harvested during the time of acquisition are considered as part of the realty, and are appraised (as in the case with perennials, trees and shrubs).They are sold with the property unless specified that they are not included in the sale.  Not a good idea, or even legal to sell your home and then decide to take the hostas and grandma's rose bush with you when you move, they are all attached to the property and are part of the sale.

For sellers who want to take grandma's rose bush with them when they move, and it does happen, all they have to do is specify that the rose bush is not included in the sale.

Had a seller once who had a Japanese Maple tree that was given as a wedding gift three years ago.  They wanted to keep the tree so we put on the sellers disclosure and in the MLS listing that the tree was not included in the sale.  The seller gave the new buyers a gift certificate for the local nursery for an amount that was slightly more than the value of the tree.

There are other items that are automatically included in the sale of a home.  Anything that is attached or built in and that includes light fixtures, cabinets, doors, and the kitchen sink.  I once had a seller try to take the built-in dishwasher. 

Here in Ohio appliances like stoves and some times refrigerators, washers & dryers are sold with the home although considered personal property. They must be listed on the contract to purchase as personal property being included with the sale or the seller has no obligation to leave them...even if they are listed on the MLS listing. If they are built in like a wall oven, cook top, dishwasher or garbage disposal they are considered as part of realty.

God Bless You and pray for all of our troops to come home safe and for our Country leaders to make the right choices to help us get through this turmoil.

"The buyers are knockin'...Cause My houses are Rockin"

Did you know I have my license in both states, Ohio & Kentucky?...So Please call me the Rock-n-Roll Real Estate Agent.  My listings Rock because they are priced to sell, show to sell and the owners are motivated to sell. Call me and I will make your house Rock.  513-777-2402 email Gary@GaryRossignol.com.

Also, My Video Newsletter is loaded with up to date Real Estate News and Advice. Some of its features include: Current Interest Rates, National Real Estate News, Mortgage Advice, Question & Answers. Plus much more. It is "real time" and changes each week.

What are neighbors for?

Back when I was a kid, neighbors were people you could count on - whether it was to feed your dog while you were on vacation or whether it was to let you borrow an egg or a garden tool. Neighbors are different today - sometimes we live for months, even years, in an area without knowing the names of our neighbors(much less without borrowing an egg or two. Moving into a new neighborhood, by definition, creates many opportunities for new neighbors. And new friends.

I think I have the best neighbors in the world. Dorothy next door is great to chat with when we are both in the yard working. Bill and Sue across the street are always friendly and helpful. Bill takes care of all our driveways in the winter with his snow blower.

Don and Marilou, also across the street is the source of local news and government gossip. He has friends in higher places and always has a great story. He is also helpful with whatever you need, like keeping an eye on our home when we are gone.

Last week my riding mower died. Don came over and tried to help get it running. It was a bigger problem than the two of us could solve. So Don drove up the street to a neighbor he knew would be willing to come over and look at it. As it turns out this neighbor Pete, who lives about 2 min for my house stopped by, suggested he load it onto his trailer and let him take it to his work shop and find the problem and fix it. He said for $70.00 he would clean, service and sharpen the blades for me. The commercial service I normally use charges $150.00 for the same service.

Pete found my problem in the matter of moments, the fuel pump was not working. So he took it with him, cleaned, service, sharpen the blades and replaced the fuel pump for $175.00. That was a deal for me and he is coming by this Tuesday to get my two walk behinds to service them. This work would have cost me almost twice.

So get out there and borrow an egg or two from your neighbor. While your at it get to know one another a little better. You'll be glad you did.

 

God Bless You and pray for all of our troops to come home safe and for our Country leaders to make the right choices to help us get through this turmoil.

"The buyers are knockin'...Cause the houses are Rockin"

Did you know I have my license in both states, Ohio & Kentucky?...So Please call me the Rock-n-Roll Realtor  My listings Rock because they are priced to sell, show to sell and the owners are motivated to sell. Call me and I will make your house Rock.  513-777-2402 email Gary@GaryRossignol.com.

Also, My Video Newsletter is loaded with up to date Real Estate News and Advice. Some of its features include: Current Interest Rates, National Real Estate News, Mortgage Advice, Question & Answers. Plus much more. It is "real time" and changes each week.

Buyer Agent Bonus...Is it a benefit?

As Realtors we seem to always want to have it both ways.  On the one hand we say that we are buyer or seller advocates and yet we are sales people too and some times those two roles can conflict with each other.  One good example is the idea of offering a buyer’s agent a bonus.

Sometimes sellers or listing agents will give the buyer’s agent a bonus for finding a buyer for a home.  That seems harmless but I have a problem with that practice.  The implication is that an agent will "sell" a home to a buyer because if they do they will make more money. That goes against one of the largest fiduciary responsibilities we owe our buyer client to promote their best interest.

We have to disclose our commission to the buyers.  Commissions for Realtors who work with buyers are listed on the MLS with the rest of the information about the home. The seller pays the buyers commission and most agents accept that as pay for working with the buyer.  The buyer doesn't see the agent bonus on the public MLS it is listed under agent remarks for members only.  Buyers usually don't know or care what the average payout for a buyer’s agent is so even when it is disclosed they may not recognize it as a buyer’s agent bonus.

We work with buyers and they choose the best home with our help. We don't or should not "sell" a buyer a home because there is a bonus in it for us. It is a conflict of interest. 

Are we acting in a buyers best interest if their is a bonus involved for us?  Each time a buyer buys a home there is something in it for us which makes sense because we can't work for free. If a buyer makes an offer we are required to disclose the commission but since the average buyer doesn't know what it is supposed to be they may not know that the agent is getting a bonus.

There are some listings in our MLS that have a very low payout and there are some with high payouts to buyers agents.  I believe it is unethical to base our decision on which home to show a buyer based on the payout.  It would be best if there was no such thing as a buyer’s agent bonus and if all buyers agent payouts were the same but they are not. So it is up to us individual Realtors to try and level the playing field. That is exactly what I try to do with each buyer client I work for. I explain how and how much I get paid and make sure that my buyer knows that if there is a Buyers agent bonus that will go to the buyer, not me.

God Bless You and pray for all of our troops to come home safe and for our Country leaders to make the right choices to help us get through this turmoil.

"The buyers are knockin'...Cause the houses are Rockin"

Did you know I have my license in both states, Ohio & Kentucky?...So Please call me the Rock-n-Roll Realtor  My listings Rock because they are priced to sell, show to sell and the owners are motivated to sell. Call me and I will make your house Rock.  513-777-2402 email Gary@GaryRossignol.com.

Also, My Video Newsletter is loaded with up to date Real Estate News and Advice. Some of its features include: Current Interest Rates, National Real Estate News, Mortgage Advice, Question & Answers. Plus much more. It is "real time" and changes each week.

Mason All-Stars networking Group

The Mason All-Stars is a networking group of professionals who meet together every other Thursday morning for the purpose of learning how to help each others business to grow.

This Linkedin group supports our members and is used to share schedules and information about our business activities. Membership is by invitation and is limited to one member from each business sector or discipline.

Today I am privileged with the spotlight of doing my 5 minute presentation to the group this morning. I would like them to see two videos. The first is the rehab project I did in Sharonville at 11191 Maple Street. I am quite proud of this project. It was the very first total rehab project I have attempted on my own.

The second video is of BlueStone Ivory performing a Patriotic song "God Bless the USA" in Fairfield. I am particularly proud of this video. It was recorded & produced by my friend Jim Rupp.

 

I would like to invite everyone to come out and hear BlueStone Ivory at Carlo & Johnny this Saturday night. It is a Jeff Ruby steak & seafood joint. Good Atmosphere, Great food and super entertainment.

God Bless You and pray for all of our troops to come home safe and for our Country leaders to make the right choices to help us get through this turmoil.

"The buyers are knockin'...Cause the houses are Rockin"

Did you know I have my license in both states, Ohio & Kentucky?...So Please call me the Rock-n-Roll Realtor  My listings Rock because they are priced to sell, show to sell and the owners are motivated to sell. Call me and I will make your house Rock.  513-777-2402 email Gary@GaryRossignol.com.

Also, My Video Newsletter is loaded with up to date Real Estate News and Advice. Some of its features include: Current Interest Rates, National Real Estate News, Mortgage Advice, Question & Answers. Plus much more. It is "real time" and changes each week.

 

 

Give until it feels good!

We have all heard the saying "Give until it hurts"...most of us know that real giving feels good doesn't it? We all have an opportunity right now to help those more unfortunate than most of us in America. If you listen to the radio, watch TV or read the news in the paper or on the internet, we are all aware of the dire need for our help in Haiti. This is an extreme tragedy totally out of anyone’s control. We are all powerless over the destruction that has occurred to the poor people in Haiti.

We can keep them in our prayers and when and if possible send them any financial support possible.

This is so heart warming:
One of my ministries at my parish St Michael in Sharonville is serving as an usher at 11:30 mass each Sunday. As usher I am responsible to help take up the collection. After mass a few of us gather in the sacristy and organize the collection, put it in the assigned packets and then into the safe. Yesterday we had a second collection to be sent to the folks in Haiti through Catholic services. Among all the $20's, $10's, hundreds of $1's & $5's and checks for everything from $10 up to several hundreds surfaced this most heart warming donation.

 
This envelope was full of coins. This child obviously emptied her piggy bank and brought it to church for the second collection. How innocent and giving was this gesture from such a small child. She even wrote a note on the envelope "Sorry about your house". She must have heard they lost their homes.

It is moments like this that makes you think. Makes you want to cry. Makes you want to smile. Makes you want to hug somebody and pray that the hurt goes away.

 God Bless You and pray for all of our troops to come home safe and for our Country leaders to make the right choices to help us get through this turmoil.

Did you know I have my license in both states, Ohio & Kentucky?...So Please call me if you need help around the house or maybe to buy a new home. I will gladly say THANK YOU! Gary Rossignol, the Realtor with integrity. 513-777-2402 email Gary@GaryRossignol.com.

Also, My Video Newsletter is loaded with up to date Real Estate News and Advice. Some of its features include: Current Interest Rates, National Real Estate News, Mortgage Advice, Question & Answers. Plus much more. It is "real time" and changes each week.k

 

Liberty Township History

The Liberty Township Historical Society was founded as a group of citizens interested in restoring the Hughes School.

    
Photo taken by Gary Rossignol of the restored Hughes School, built 1887.

5994 Princeton Rd in Liberty Township, Butler County, Ohio Built in 1887, the building was used for grades 1 through 8 until 1922 when the school system consolidation began. It was used as a residence for the custodian and later as a storage building. It was in dire need of repair or demolition by 1975 when interest was raised in restoration.

I thought I would never admit it but I LOVE HISTORY. Especially about or around my home. Being a resident of West Chester, Ohio and always carrying my Nikon D70 I am ready to shoot beautiful old buildings at a moments notice.

Working as a Realtor allows me to see a lot of houses. One of my most recent first time buyers is ecstatic about looking at homes. Her first time out the other day she found the whole adventure very exciting. At first it seemed like another day at work for me. Then I realized I had to live in the moment and focus my attention to the mood of my client.

I am happy to report after 23 years, the excitement is still there for me. I do love my job and I have my clients and customers to thank for that. They continue to show me how to find the thrill in what I am doing. It's not just looking at houses, it is the whole process of identifying, eliminating, researching, negotiating and closing with the proper time and financial deadlines. My clients trust that with my help everything will fall together properly to have a happy ending.

God Bless You and pray for all of our troops to come home safe and for our Country leaders to make the right choices to help us get through this turmoil.

Did you know I have my license in both states, Ohio & Kentucky?...So Please call me if you need help around the house or maybe to buy a new home. I will gladly say THANK YOU! Gary Rossignol, the Realtor with integrity. 513-777-2402 email Gary@GaryRossignol.com.

Also, My Video Newsletter is loaded with up to date Real Estate News and Advice. Some of its features include: Current Interest Rates, National Real Estate News, Mortgage Advice, Question & Answers. Plus much more. It is "real time" and changes each week.

I need a break from cold weather

I can only take so much cold weather. How about you?

Snow is predicted to come hard and heavy today. There is nothing we can do about that. I'ts Mother Nature right? We can put ourselves in a different place for a few minutes though.

That is why I made this video late this past summer. To share with you on a day like today.

I call it "Playful Insects". Self explanatory but very relaxing. I hope it warms you up just a little today.

God Bless You and pray for all of our troops to come home safe and for our Country leaders to make the right choices to help us get through this turmoil.

Did you know I have my license in both states, Ohio & Kentucky?...So Please call me if you need help around the house or maybe to buy a new home. I will gladly say THANK YOU! Gary Rossignol, the Realtor with integrity. 513-777-2402 email Gary@GaryRossignol.com.

Also, My Video Newsletter is loaded with up to date Real Estate News and Advice. Some of its features include: Current Interest Rates, National Real Estate News, Mortgage Advice, Question & Answers. Plus much more. It is "real time" and changes each week.

Merry Christmas Cincinnati & Friends

It is Christmas Eve. Three days after the shortest day (the first day of Winter) and the longest night of the year. This is the day many of us celebrate the birthday of Jesus. The Rossignol family will be attending midnight mass at our parish St Michaels. It is our tradition each year. Then we all come home and exchange presents.

This year we are going to drink hot chocolate and watch a movie. The gift exchanging will happen tomorrow when everyone is here.

Here are a few photos of neighbor homes decorated for Christmas.

 

 

Click on this LINK for a very special Christmas Card especially for YOU!

God Bless You and pray for all of our troops to come home safe and for our Country leaders to make the right choices to help us get through this turmoil.

Did you know I have my license in both states, Ohio & Kentucky?...So Please call me if you need help around the house or maybe to buy a new home. I will gladly say THANK YOU! Gary Rossignol, the Realtor with integrity. 513-777-2402 email Gary@GaryRossignol.com.

Also, My Video Newsletter is loaded with up to date Real Estate News and Advice. Some of its features include: Current Interest Rates, National Real Estate News, Mortgage Advice, Question & Answers. Plus much more. It is "real time" and changes each week.

 

 

 

Say Thank You to a Veteran today.

Have you ever wanted to say "thank you", but didn't? Next time, say it...