I love her!!! For those of you who don't get your morning fix of Matt Lauer while you have your coffee, you might not know who Barbara Corcoran is – this is a shame!  In the famous words of Michael K from Dlisted (the best real estate source out there!  HA), she is a  "Real estate mogul, author, inspirational speaker, mega bitch and reality show judge." 

I like Barbara – she and I have much in common, we were both D average students, mega bitches,  and are into real estate!  WOO HOO  According to her website: Barbara Corcoran’s credentials include straight D’s in high school and college and twenty jobs by the time she turned twenty-three.  It was her next job, however, that would make her one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the country, when she borrowed $1,000 from her boyfriend and quit her job as a waitress to start a tiny real estate company in New York City.  Over the next twenty-five years, she’d parlay that $1,000 loan into a five-billion-dollar real estate business named The Corcoran Group. She sold the business in 2001 for seventy million dollars.

 For the full story on Ms Corcoran click here!

There is a new store that coming to Highland Square.  It sells items made in Akron – ironically its called Made in Akron.   MIA is a sister company to Rubber City Clothing.   MIA is going to partner with Western Fruit Basket to sell their gift baskets.   MIA should have a website shortly (www.madeinakron.com) – it should be live in 4-6 weeks.

You can get foods, Rubber City Clothing, chocolates, and other items all from "The City of the Future".  "The one good thing that is coming out of the store are sauces from Crave", says one local Akron Resident.  Yum!   MIA is suppose to be fresh, hot, and good!  GO THERE!  

Their address is 12 S Highland, Akron Ohio 44303.  It is next to the Highland Barber Shop)

Saturday night The Mr & I went out on the town with some friends.  We had dinner at 6:30 – had a great time – dinner ended about 9:00.  It was definitely too early to go home so as we drove by Pilgrim Square (super cute plaza in West Akron) – as we were driving by we saw the OPEN sign for this wine shop, 750 ML Wines, we stopped in.

750 ML was FABULOUS! The atmosphere was sexy, trendy, and had clean lines.  There were clusters of couches set up around the shop,  as well as a bar area with stools.  750 ML had a huge variety of wines to buy/ taste – at every price point – as well as Champagnes/ Sparkling Wines.   December 26th & 27th they featured flights of wine for $5.00!  (5 wines to taste for $5.00!)  In the coming year – 750 ML plans to feature different wines and wine tasting.  If you are not a wine lover – there is beer to mix and match to create your own 6 pack!  (They are waiting for their license to serve beer for beer tasting - coming shortly!)

The shop owners are Jim & Karla Walters.  They are young, recently married, and energetic about their business!  They were fun to spend time with and were very knowledgeable about about the wines.  750 ml is the perfect place to go for the final night cap for the evening, a pre- dinner drink, somewhere to go and kill time, as well as a great alternative to West Point Market for buying different and interesting wines.   

Here is the basic 411 on the store:

Hours: Monday – Thurs: 10am – 9pm

           Sat & Sunday:      10am – 10 pm

           Closed Sunday

2287 W Market Street, Akron Ohio 44313 – Phone: 330-794-5754 – www.750mlwines.com

SO – As we walked in, the fireplace was going, there were fun people, and the wine and napa baguettes were flowing!!   I give it two thumbs up!

UPDATE: They do have their beer tasting license – Beer taste away!!!!

UPDATE II: 750 has their full license now  and their patio is open as well!

A lot of you have been wondering (asking) me the scoop about what is going on with the Landmark Building and surrounding properties – there is none.  There was a developer, John Ferchill, who proposed to revitalize that area – he cooled off.  THere was another development company out of Atlanta who was talking about taking a stab at it – they cooled off.  SO – as it stands – there is nada going on in that area.  This is my unauthorized - out of the inner circle – voice on what is happening with that project.

Have a Happy Friday and if you are traveling – be safe!!

I have sort of had a revelation – it is time to buy a building.  (or two)

Being in real estate – interesting prospects hit my radar regularly.  NOW – with that being said –  these deals that are "interesting" and passing my desk – most of them are S***T or are good for people doing 1031s. (A way to defer your capital gain taxes when you sell a commercial property) Most of these prospects boast Cap Rates are too aggressive or the market rents are out of line – something!  BUT – recently – there are two buildings that have hit this radar that I want a piece of and since I can't seem to buy a house – buying buildings will have to do!  SO – we are going to start on an adventure together – it is time to buy some commercial property and I am going to show all of you that it is not that scary.  (Even in this economy.)

Step 1: Identify a prospect.  (Done)  

If the property in question has a phone number attached – call.  If not – finding who to start a conversation with about the property requires you to do your homework – there are a couple sites that can help you find people.

A. County GIS Sites/ Auditors Websites: Once you know the county – google the county tax maps to get info.  

1. Summit County GIS
2. Cuyahoga County GIS
3. Portage County GIS

B. White Pages: Anywho (My Favorite white page)

C. Ohio Secretary of State:  Look under their Business Filings (you can put in the business name on the sign and/ or what you found on the GIS and get the owner – it is sometimes listed under Agent. (Sometimes it is the attorney – so – you need to be thoughtful when you call.)

If you can't find them at one of these three sites – sorry – you will have to advance your detective skills to asking around.  With regards to the building I like – I know my target.  It is time to aim and fire.  Next step: Questions/ Assessments.  

(On a personal note  - a quick hello to my friend MT – Hola!!!  Thank you for being a dedicated reader!! ) 

\Those new fangled things!!  Photovoltaic Solar Cells are solar panels along the highway that have the ability to capture light and create excess power that feeds the power grids.  Fabulous

This might seem like an obvious and good idea but Oregon is the first US state to start capturing solar energy along the interstate highway to generate electrical power.  (Germany and Switzerland having been doing this for over 20 years.)

Here is the skinny (and stuff to think about before we all write congress)

1. Oregon is funding the project with a mix of private/public funds, Federal Tax Credits, and utility discounts. 
2. ODOT has agreed to purchase all the power produced by the panels but at a less expensive rate.
3. While solar energy is generated during the day and lights are needed at night – no batteries will be used.
4. SolarWorld AG (a German Panel Co) will supply the solar panels.  (They have a location in Oregon)
5. PV Powered Inc will supply the power inverter. (Also located in Oregon)
6. There are four contracting firms building, designing, and installing the project.
7. The development timeline is short – they are going to break ground in August and it is to be completed by the following January. 
8. All generating capacity will be built by third parties at their own costs and the same third parties must maintain the panels from daily wear and tear to vandalism.  

I think this sounds exciting and would be interested to hear more about how the project goes – how successful it is.  Oregon is not really my first thought for starting the solar panel movement (I think of it as rainy) BUT solar energy is the most abundant renewable energy resource the state has – go figure!  

Very exciting – lets see how this plays out…….

Is the new hot sporting goods store in town.

Hibbett Sporting Goods stores are in over 23 states including: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.

They concentrate on smaller markets that are at least 25 miles (typically) from other sporting goods stores and are looking to open another 70-80 stores in 2009. They are planning to open more stores in existing states but they are also looking to expand into new ones.

There is a Hibbett Sports in Green at 470 Arlington Ridge in Akron if you want to sneak a peak! Hibbett is definitely an interesting concept and worth a trip to their website!!

They say “Beware of Greeks Baring Gifts” – in this case, it could be a pleasant surprise! Before I continue any further, I must admit I am not a huge fast food supporter. My job definitely has me eating out most meals and days of the week (for better or worse) BUT I make a point to try and hit some nicer restaurants that serve healthier meals/portions. With that being said – we all enjoy bad stuff here and there! Well, this place is not so bad!

I was reading my SCT Magazine (Shopping Centers Today) and came across a new fast food chain – EVOS. Like all good Greek restaurant owners, these owners chose the name Evos from the Greek derivative of the word “evolve.” The three partners are Dino Lambridis, Alkis Crassas, and Michael Jeffers. They are based in Tampa and currently have 5 stores with 107 in 12 states set to open in the next 5 years. (Ohio is within the states named – yippy!)

Evos is a new burger stop and what separated their food from the normal fast food burger is how it is prepared. Evos prides itself in cooking a healthier way (oven baked vs. fried) and their drinks are made with healthier ingredients (ie: Milkshakes are Milk/sugar, fruit drinks are made with real fruit vs. corn syrup!) The ingredients are organic, natural, hormone and antibiotic free, as well as minimally processed. (On a side note – not sure if anyone has read “Skinny Bitch” – OMG – this will mean that much more!!! A topic for another day ) They’re even environmentally responsible; the paper is recycled with a soy-based ink. Bravo Bravo

The first Evos restaurant opening in 1994 and began franchising in 2006 with the Henderson Restaurant. Their prices are considered “affordable” (I have not seen them or know what their price point is) and they consider their “competitors” Chipotle and Panera Bread. (I tried downloading the menu but it was really slow.)

SO – I will work on getting them here sooner – in the meantime – enjoy MetroBurger!!

Technology News & Trends

As I am laying at the beach, enjoying the sun, surf, and vodka (I am really a vodka girl – I know rum/ tequila is the thing down here but not for me) I was reading the ULI (Urban Land Institute) 2nd Quarter Real estate investors survey. (I am embarrassed for myself – I know!!)

There were many interesting points about the market, in various areas around the US. BUT – one of the sections in the booklet was about technology news and trends. This section basically talked about the GIS and its impact in the real estate world. Most counties have a GIS (Geographic Information System) available – we are luck because Summit Country has a GREAT GIS Site. This led me to thinking about all the real estate sites that make my job easier and more fun. SO – I am going to break down my some of my favorite sites for commercial and residential that are good to know and fun to explore.

Commercial:

1. Summit County GIS Site: This can be tricky the first time you go to it. There will be a category called "Interactive Online Tax Map Application" – Click on it and after 500 yrs (sometimes it loads slowly) the menu will pop up for you to explore!
2. Ohio Secretary of State:
(This is good for looking up who the business principles are at the space you are interested in – its one of the commercial industries dirty little secrets!)
3. Loopnet – a good tool for available properties all over the country
4. Costar: An interesting site – good for comps – just ok for everything else
5. Google Maps & Yahoo Maps (These are my two favorite free sites)

Residential:

1. The MLS Site (Multiple Listing Service)
2. Trulia.com – this site is cool because you can look at houses by area code – their valued prices tend to be on the low side
3. Some of the various real estate houses websites; Smythe Cramer, Stouffer, Coldwell Banker

These are just a couple examples but all are fun to explore!! Check them out – give me your thoughts!!

On a totally different note – I will leave you with a photo from our room. PV has been ridic gorg. I am taken by the view of the ocean and the horizon. I can’t pinpoint what it is I like so much about it but there is something. I have been lucky to travel to a number of hot destinations with lovely beaches but there is something different here. Ok – I am rambling BUT I will think about what it is I love so much and report back! Adios Amigos!!!

View of the Ocean from the Balcony

Hello All!!

I have much to write about!! I am in Puerto Vallarta!!!
The trip here was great – go Continental Airlines! The flights were on time and comfortable. I flew from CLE to Houston and then from Huston to PV. I had the whole row to myself from CLE to Houston and sat with lovely people from Houston to PV. It was completely enjoyable! So now that I have a short interim of peace – I promise to write a lot about the market and the real estate in Puerto Vallarta (maybe some fun side trips that we took)!! The Mr is unfortunately not with me – he is enjoying the sunny coast of Seattle. (One of the hottest real estate markets currently in the US. A topic for another day). But – my adventures will be special nonetheless.

Life has been hectic lately. I have feel like I have been in a mini tornado, which has been exciting. Retail wise – the market has been fine!! I see a lot of growth with the 1200-1500 SF spaces. Some of the reasons for the trend have been job layoffs. People who have recently lost their jobs and are starting the business they always dreamed of doing! The big box stuff has been ok but national companies that are practically based vs need based are booming!

I have also been busy with my other interests. I really enjoy giving back to the community and raising awareness/ money for some of the non-profits in town that make Akron the interesting community it is!

I was asked to host the International Institute of Akron’s annual fundraiser. They wanted to change the format a bit. This event is not the boring suit/ dinner/ dance gala. It is a celebration of cultures and fun. The theme is the Olympics. This is appropriate for a number of reasons;

1. The Olympics celebrate all cultures coming together to compete and play!
2. The Summer Olympics start August 8th and close August 25th
3. It is a good excuse to gear an event that is interesting for both men and women.

My event is August 22nd at Musica (downtown Akron). The event will feature an open bar, heavy apps, an 8 piece Latin band, and GAMES!!! There will be two Wii Consults set up (both will be raffled off at the end of the night for $20.00) and arcade games like soccer, basketball, and etc. This is an event for adults to come and PLAY!! (For more info call the International Institute at 330.375.5106)

The second event, which is near and dear to me, is the Akron Urban League’s event. I am participating in “Dancing with the Stars- AKRON”!! YEAH BABY! For those of you that know me – it is usually impossible to get me off the dance floor. WELL – When I heard about their event and was able to participate – I was over the moon!!! SO – I have been practicing with my dance partner (a guy who works in my building who is fabulous!! The Mr has two left feet but the best of intentions!!) SO – we have been practicing nonstop. The Urban League is having their event August 15th at their new building on V Odom Blvd. This event should also be fabulous.

BUT – back to business. The last thing happening that has caused me to be crazy train is the CBRE retail group has redefined who we are to the retail world. It is very exciting. CBRE acquired a firm previously known as Redstone Real Estate group – the firm is incredible and I am excited about our new endeavors.

SO – that is the recap, for this week, life will be less hectic and I will have many stories to share. Watch out ladies!!