rmorris@starkcreate.com, Author at Buckeye Northwest Realty

The Off-Market Advantage: How to Find Investment Properties Before They Hit the MLS

For serious investors in the Toledo market, the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is often where deals go to die. Any cash-flowing property listed publicly instantly attracts a dozen competitive bidders, driving the price up and killing your profit margin. The

Toledo Winter Activities, Cozy Home Hacks, Toledo Libraries, Renter Wellbeing, Indoor Escapes

For properties built before 1978, which make up a significant portion of the Toledo rental market, managing lead-based paint is a serious, non-negotiable legal and safety responsibility. If you own an older home in Lucas County, you must comply with

Beat the Toledo Winter Blues: Your Guide to Cozy Reading Nooks and Local Libraries

The secret to thriving through a long Northwest Ohio winter isn't always a tropical vacation, it's mastering the art of the indoor sanctuary! When the gray skies settle in over the Glass City, your apartment can become your favorite escape.

Credit Score 101 for Renters: How to Build Your Score Using Your Toledo Lease

Did you know that your rent payment, the largest recurring bill you pay, often doesn't count toward your credit score? It's true. Unlike a mortgage, rent payments don't automatically appear on your credit report. For first-time renters, this lack of

Mitigating Mold Risk: Seasonal Maintenance & Humidity Control in Toledo’s Older Housing Stock

For property owners in Northwest Ohio, mold is more than just a cosmetic problem, it's a critical financial liability. Toledo's unique geography, near Lake Erie and the Maumee River, creates persistent humidity challenges, and our inventory of older homes (pre-1950s)

Vendor Management: How Your Property Manager Secures the Best Rates for Quality Repairs

For an investor, the question isn't whether you can manage your Toledo rental property yourself, it's whether you can afford not to hire a professional. Many owners are tempted to self-manage to save on management fees, which typically range from

Duplexes and Multi-Units: The Fastest Path to Scaling Your Toledo Investment Portfolio

Most new real estate investors start with a single-family home (SFH) rental, which is great for a learning curve. But if your goal is to truly scale your portfolio, diversify your income, and build wealth quickly, the path often leads

Local Life Spotlight: Your Guide to the Best Breweries, Bars, and Downtown Nightlife

Hello, Toledo! Whether you've lived in the Glass City for years or are brand new to Northwest Ohio, there's one thing we can all agree on: our nightlife, culture, and local scene are constantly getting better. As your local expert,