35% of ’11 residential sales were ‘distressed’

Not much of a surprise here in Central Ohio. The strong communities aren't as affected by this. It is more of a statistic in areas where middle class and lower class folks live - the one's that have been most affected by the economic recession.

35% of ’11 residential sales were ‘distressed’

Foreclosure rates plunge in 2011 - Jan. 12, 2012

Don't get too excited by the following article. I believe that there is still a tremendous backlog of loans in default in Ohio that the lenders have just not proceeded forward. There is the robo-signing issue, Courts requiring pre-foreclosure certifications of documents, more loan modifications and other attempts at diverting foreclosure and other factors slowing the process. Gradually this year and the next, the banks will have exhausted all loss mitigation efforts and have to proceed with foreclosing on the backlog of default mortgages in Ohio.

Foreclosure rates plunge in 2011 - Jan. 12, 2012

Foreigners bid up shale-drilling rights

Woo Hoo! Let the bubble ride begin. Can't blame landowners from cashing in, but this could be the beginning of making a mess of this opportunity. Stay tuned!

Foreigners bid up shale-drilling rights

Oil, gas lease filing more than quadruples in 2011

Recorders' Offices have been under siege since this "boom" started.  The oil and gas companies are moving from the research/acquisition phase to the drilling phase, but it is a bumpy road.

This is an area of law that I am excited about getting involved with. I have found work in clearing title issues related to oil and gas leases, quiet title actions, lease review, title research, and am looking to assist landowners and oil companies in achieving their goals in this exciting wave entering Ohio.

Oil, gas lease filing more than quadruples in 2011



My advice to all involved - don't rush into any deals without consulting a real estate and/or oil and gas attorney familiar with the issues that can complicate these deals if they are not addressed at the outset.  Feel free to contact me if I can be of any service.

Vacant houses swamping city

Vacant houses swamping city

This is the type of problem facing many cities in the Midwest and beyond. Columbus has actually fared better than most in the real estate collapse. However, this problem, although maybe not to this extreme, is moving into the suburbs and other developments where foreclosures are prevalent. Vandalized homes can't be sold by the banks and are eventually left to continue to fall into disrepair until no one wants them and no one will pay to demolish them. Sad state of affairs.