Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Veterans Day Video

Today is Veterans Day! Here is a video that honors our brave men and women and those who have paid the ultimate price. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ui4-65MCv_Y

Friday, October 30, 2009

Auditor's New Website

Highland County Auditor Bill Fawley was the guest speaking at our recent Highland County Board of Realtors meeting discussing the launching of the new website. The website now offers aerial maps and searching features to make doing business easier. The world now knows all about you! You can run but we will find you! To check out your new auditor's website click here.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Long Time Funeral Director Remembered

I was out of town celebrating my wedding anniversary with Karen when I got the news. The passing of Don Edgington. My earliest memories of Don were playing knothole baseball on a team in Mowrystown where he was the coach and Craig and I were players. He told me to go to right field and I did not know where right field was. Pretty good indication my future would not be in baseball.

Don encouraged me in my real estate career on numerous occasions and his words were always the same. He would say "Jeff, the word around town is that you work hard and are a hustler. Keep your nose clean and you will do just fine. He always stressed to me to keep my nose clean.

Don ... I'm doing the best I can. You will be missed.

Monday, October 26, 2009

We're Number One!

According to Wednesday, October 21st's issue of The Times Gazette, Highland County's jobless rate is now highest in Ohio. This is not a list we want to be on but it is were we now find ourselves.

Jobs...we need jobs. Until quality employment opportunites return to our area, the local economy is going to struggle at best...which includes real estate values. To get out of the slump we are in is going to take everyone's effort. We need your idea's ... money making, job creating ideas now. You community and your leaders need to hear from you now.

We, the people of Highland County, may not come out of this recession as quick as other parts of the country if we can not put our families back to work. My real estate collegues around the country who have experienced markets with major jobs losses say it will take 10 years to see recovery. Jobs...putting people back to work quickly is the key.

Friday, October 09, 2009

Ohio Fence Law Changes

Many landowners of Highland County real estate are not aware of the new fence law that took affect September 2008. You can now write your own fence agreements with your neighbors. You can agree to choose the type and kind of fence and who is paying for it. The old fence law of "equal shares" is all but gone. Changes have been made to the law when a despute occurs. To read more Click Here.

Thursday, October 08, 2009

Rocky Fork Lake: ODNR Denies Request

I believe waterfront homes with access to docks at Rocky Fork Lake just became worth more. With ODNR continuing to hold off the Rocky Fork Golf Course project, it makes a statement to me that those who own waterfront homes with docks own something very special that there might not be any more of...at least in the near future. Only a half dozen or so waterfront homes sell each year now and most of those have limited views of the water with no access to a dock. If you own one...who knows what it might be worth? Click here to read more.

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

What's Behind Recent Increases in CAUV?

The government has been updating it's information used to calculate CAUV tax rates and the results are going to be increase taxes for farms. In some cases taxes may be increase significantly. CAUV tax rate for land owners is based on a formula that takes into consideration a number of factors such as soil type, yields, crop prices, production costs and whatever else to come up with a net profit per acre. There are 3500+ soil types alone in Ohio. Buckeye Farm News has a frotn page article in its online issue. Click here. YouTube.com video link explaning why are CAUV values increasing? Click Here.

Saturday, October 03, 2009

Saturday, September 26, 2009

OAR Conference


Karen and I attended the Ohio Association of Realtors Conference held in Columbus Ohio earlier this week. We recieved updates regarding real estate law and technology including social media sites including Facebook, Twitter, and blogging. I look forward to utilizing a lot of the information I learned!

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Thanks to The Highland County Press



Thanks to Rory Ryan of The Highland County Press for the picture on the front page of the September 12th edition! We appreciate the support and recognition for celebrating 20 years! Rory is the new owner of the paper....we look forward to working with him!

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Highland County Fair

Today concludes the 2009 Highland County Fair. It has been another successful year for fair-goers. We enjoyed spending time with friends while celebrating our 20th year with cake and ice cream on Labor Day. Thanks to all those who stopped by for a visit!

We were able to attend several of the shows and sales to support the area youth. After purchasing several grand and reserve champions and several other exhibitor projects, we can say that this year has been one of the best! Congratulations to all the young people in our county! Way to go!

Remembering September 11th


Yesterday was Patriot Day. A National Day of Service and Remembrance. Patriot Day is an annual observance on September 11 to remember those who were injured or died during the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001. President Obama released this proclamation.

We pause and give thanks to all the service men and women who are defending our freedom and protecting our country.


Friday, September 04, 2009

Busy Week at the Dickey Group!

It's been a busy week at the Dickey Group! We listed 6 properties, sold 4 properties and 2 more went under contract! We have also been getting ready for the fair. The booth is decorated and ready to go! Stop by and see us next week in the Wharton building!

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Local Schools Achieve!

Congratulations to Hillsboro Middle School and Whiteoak High School for receiving "Excellent" ratings from the Ohio Department of Education. What an accomplishment for the youth in our area as well as the staff of these two schools! Way to Go!

Helping Feed the Hungry

Two local churches, New Life Church and Ministries and the Hillsboro Church of the Nazarene have teamed up to distribute over 50,000 pounds of food at Liberty Park in Hillsboro today! Contained in two semi truck loads of food, the food which is obtained through Operation Outreach in Washington Court House is intended to give hope and help to people in Highland County.

There will be entertainment and a sermon by pastor Bill Bowman. Also, prior to the start of the event at 6 p.m., a "Scoring Touchdowns in Life" message will be shared by NFL referee Steve Wilson, who also serves as an associate pastor of the Nazarene Church in Washington state. All are invited to attend and receive food. Each individual will receive food at the end of the program, regardless of income.

Thank you to these two local churches! For more information, please contact Help the Hungry at 937-393-2429.

Monday, August 17, 2009

New School Year in a New Building!

The new school year starts this week for all Highland County Schools! Hillsboro Middle School and High School start in a new building that has been described as "big" and "beautiful"! New traffic routes and parking areas for buses, students, parents and teachers can be found in the article linked below!

Click here for traffic routes

Wednesday, August 05, 2009

Free Money

There is only four months left to recieve an $8,000 tax credit for purchasing a new home! You must have your home closed by November 30, 2009 when the tax credit expires! To close by November 30 you need to go on contract to buy a home no later than September! Call us for details!

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Home Prices on the Rise

It's always good to read something positive in the newspaper....

According to a recent article published in the Wall Street Journal, home prices in the U.S. are on the rise. Home prices in major U.S. cities registered the first monthly gain in nearly three years. This is an indication that the severe U.S. housing downturn could be easing.This is good news!

To read more, click here.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

It's Been a Busy Summer!

Houses are selling and The Dickey Group is busy! We love it!

In the past few weeks, we have sold several homes:

52 Walnut Creek Rd., Greenfield
8607 Stoney Point Rd., Hillsboro
247 East Main St., Hillsboro
5430 Grande Rd., Hillsboro
2145 Stringtown Rd., Sardinia
9439 US 62 N., Hillsboro
3521 St. Rt. 247, Hillsboro
9072 Evans Rd., Leesburg
6695 Golden Doubloon Ln., Hillsboro

We have had great success and thank all the wonderful families with which we have worked. We have seen an increase in the number of short sales. With this situation, transactions become more difficult and time consuming. We continue to work with sellers, buyers, lenders, and mortgage companies to get homes sold!

If you or someone you know is interested in buying or selling, please call us 937.393.7222 or visit us on the website www.TheDickeyGroup.com

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Visit and Vacation in Highland County

Highland County offers many upcoming events for family and friends to share. An entire list can be found at the Highland County Visitor's Bureau. Among others is the upcoming Festival of the Bells to be held in downtown Hillsboro July 2-4th. This is always a special community event providing a chance to visit with neighbors and enjoy the music, activities, and fun. A full schedule for this event can be found at www.FestivalOfTheBells.com. We hope to see you there!

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Swackhamer Named SCOL Baseball Coach of the Year

Congratulations goes out to Rusty Swackhamer and the Hillsboro Indians baseball team!

Hillsboro head baseball coach Rusty Swackhamer was recently named the 2009 South Central Ohio League Coach of the Year. Swackhamer and the Indians went undefeated in the league with a 12-0 record. HHS finished the season 16-1 overall. Swackhamer has coached the Indians for four seasons.

It's great to see such hard work and dedication. What a fantastic honor!

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

These Kids Are Amazing



This was at a Texas Tech Basketball game in February of 2008.
The National Anthem is sung by five young ladies (ages 6-8).
You have never heard it performed better than this! An entire arena remains completely silent throughout the song. You could hear a pin drop. Take a moment to listen to this. The two young ladies on the right are six years old. The two in the middle are seven and the one on the left is eight.
This young group continues to impress!

Check them out on YouTube!
Visit their website at The Cactus Cuties!

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Black Bear Spotted in Highland County

For the first time in recent years, a black bear has been sighted in Highland County. The bear, believed to be a male around 200 pounds, is being tracked by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife. According to ODNR, the bear was first spotted in Adams County adn has covered dozens of miles since. He has been seen in Brown, Highland and Fayette counties. This roaming behavior is typical of a young male bear around 2 years of age.

Ohio's bear population is rising steadily as bears migrate from nearby states. In the past, the population had declined due to deforestation during the mid 1800's. The new surge in the number of bear inhabiting our area does require residents to use common sense when coming in contact with a black bear.

This black bear may makes its home near us or it may move on, either way those that had a rare glimpse of this bear have had a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Tuesday, June 09, 2009

Celebrating Flag Day June 14th!

You're a grand old flag,
You're a high flying flag
And forever in peace may you wave.
You're the emblem of
The land I love.



The home of the free and the brave.
Ev'ry heart beats true
'neath the Red, White and Blue,
Where there's never a boast or brag.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
Keep your eye on the grand old flag.

To read more about the history of Flag Day, click here.

Thursday, June 04, 2009

Congratulations Jill!

Jill Minter, our Client Service Manager, graduated from Whiteoak High School on May 22nd.
Congratulations!






Jill accepts The Dickey Group Scholarship from Mr. Roush, Principal.







Saturday, May 30, 2009

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. It is not important who was the very first, what is important is that Memorial Day was established. Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Craig Krenzel to Speak at Hillsboro High School Graduation


The Hillsboro Ministerial Association is bringing Craig Krenzel to be the keynote speaker at the Hillsboro High School Graduation which is to be held this Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Krenzel is the Ohio State University quarterback who led the Buckeyes to the 2002 national championship and went on to play two years in the NFL. The Ministerial Association is pleased to have a speaker that will give the graduates a spiritual sendoff as they wrap up that phase of their life and head out into the world. This goal of the Association has been in the works for several years - and only this year has been accomplished due to donations and fundraising to bring Krenzel to the ceremonies. We at The Dickey Group support the Hillsboro Ministerial Association's vision for the graduation ceremony and are excited to be a part of this effort. Congratulations and blessings to all the local area graduates!


The full article appears in the Friday, May 15th edition of The Times-Gazette.


Saturday, May 09, 2009

Whiteoak High School Prom


Whiteoak High School held its Junior/Senior Prom a couple of weeks ago. This is always an exciting time to make memories that last a lifetime.

Someday many years from now
We'll sit beside the candles glow
Exchanging tales about our past
And laughing as the memories flow
And when that distant day arrives
I know it will be understood
That friendship is the key to live
And we were friends and it was good.
- Eileen Hehl

I do hope that the prom season was fun, safe and special to all who attended. Cherish the memories!

Saturday, May 02, 2009

Barn of the Year

We would like to congratulate Bill Fling for his award winning "Barn of the Year" as designated by the Friends of Ohio Barns organization. Winning Barn of the Year for Adaptive Use, the Fling Barn is used to host receptions and conferences. The activities at the farm include many demonstrations and displays. This barn was built by Fling's great-grandfather and is relaxing sancutary for all who visit.

To learn more.... visit www.flingbarn.com or click here.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Annual Chamber of Commerce Dinner


The annual Chamber of Commerce Dinner was held on April 23rd. Over 200 people attended to network, enjoy local catering, and laugh - Drew Hastings provided entertainment for the evening.


The Highland County Chamber of Commerce is a membership driven business organization dedicated to representing and providing assistance for the local business community. For more information, call 393-1111 or go to http://www.highlandcountychamber.com/.


To read the entire article that appears in the Times-Gazette, click here.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

A Recent Visit from Trisha Mullenix


This morning, Trisha Mullinex, a college student attending Marshall University and friend of our office, visited with us to gain insight into our information systems. She is taking a course about Management Information Systems and is completing a project about systems in real estate. It was great to share how we use technology to enhance our services for our clients. Trisha was excited to learn how we use multiple systems to manage our office and communications allowing us to bring a high level of service to all of our clients. We were glad to help Trisha - we hope we helped her get an A on the project!

Friday, April 10, 2009

Annual Trout Derby Held at Rocky Fork Lake


On April 4th over 500 children ages 15 and under participated in the Annual Trout Derby held at Rocky Fork Lake. This event, held every year on the first Saturday in April, is sponsored by the Highland County Rod and Gun Club. It provides youth the opportunity to experience outdoor sports and enjoy quality time with their families. To read more, click here.

Saturday, April 04, 2009

2009 Dickey Group Scholarship Winner


We are pleased to announce that Jill Minter has been awarded the 2009 Dickey Group Scholarship. Jill has been a member of our team since April 2008, serving as our Client Service Manager. Jill plans to continue to attend Southern State Community College after graduation from Whiteoak High School. She currently attends Southern State under the Post-Secondary Enrollment Option. Jill plans to obtain her Assoicate degree in Human Services and fulfilling her goal of becoming a social worker. We are excited to help Jill pursue her dreams! Congratulations!

Pending Home Sales Rise

Maybe the world is not as bad as the media would have you to believe?? Signed contracts to purchase homes rose according to Washington AP. Home prices are now believed to be more affordable than they've been since at least 1970 the article reads. With interest rates in the 4%'s and an $8000 tax credit available, now is the time to buy! Read more click

Saturday, March 14, 2009



An Old Irish Blessing
May love and laughter light your days,
And warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
Wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
With joy that long endures.
May all life’s passing seasons
Bring the best to you and yours.

Saturday, March 07, 2009

$8000 Tax Credit

Hot off the press!
Your government, through the new stimulus package, is offering an $8000 Tax Credit if you buy a home before Dec. 1, 2009! This is like the government giving you an $8000 down payment to buy a home at the time you file your taxes. Tell all friends and family members to check this out!
We are excited help families take advantage of this new offer!
To read more visit these websites:
IRS - US Dept. of Treasury
Homebuyer Tax Credit Chart
First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit FAQs

Over the Back Fence

I subscribe to a southern Ohio magazine title Over the Back Fence. It has some neat articles and always provides information on upcoming events in southern ohio. In the moast recent edition, I was reminded of the great county we live in through a feature article about Highland County. This article listed must-see places such as The Colony Theater, Highland House Museum, Rocky Fork Lake, Highlands Nature Sanctuary, Travelers Rest, and our very own courthouse. The writer captured the essence of our county: rich history, great outdoors, and recreation! We have a fantastic place to call home!

Visit Over the Back Fence to check it out!

Monday, February 23, 2009

Food Assistance for Former DHL Employees

On Thursday February 19, 2009 local churches helped distribute truckloads of food and other items to former DHL employees. Feed the Children provided the boxes of food and other items. The Dickey Group Realtors moving truck helped transport the boxes from Wilmington to Highland County. We were honored to be a part of meeting the needs of our community!

To read more about this click here.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Spring On The Farm!

My favorite time of the year is here! New babies are being born! As of this posting, five new baby beef calves are on the ground...actually up and running all over the place with more on the way! New life, a new season, a new hope, Spring around the corner, Winter almost over...I like this time of year! Watch as you enter our driveway to the office....we have been known to have babies get out and lay in the driveway!

Passing of Charles "Lou" West

A dear friend of Karen and I recently passed away and will be deeply missed. Lou West was the song leader for decades at the Fairfax United Methodist Church where we attend. Saying that Lou loved to sing is an understatement. He was always looking for a partner his sing what he called "a special". He would come into Church and announce we need to sing "a special". My wife would sing with him on many occasions. Lou would sing solo's, duet's, with small groups...you name it! Any one he could round up! They would gather around the piano at choir practice and sing until 10:00 p.m.! Lou loved the Lord and loved the youth. He could often be seen at ball games and ball parks. It didn't matter who's kid it was... Lou faithfully supported the youth! Lou played fastpitch softball on a Church team many years ago with my father, Lowell. Dad would occasionally recall the great times they had playing together. Karen and I will miss that man! Lou was preceed by his beautiful bride Clarice! We will meet again some day.

Saturday, February 07, 2009

Highland County's History

I was reading the Times-Gazette this week and came across an article related to Highland County's beginnings. I found it very interesting and thought I would share the link for all readers.

Find out more about Highland County's rich history by clicking here.

Highland County Chamber of Commerce


Chamber welcomes new board membersFive newly elected members of the Highland County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors began their tenure at the Jan. 22 board meeting. The new board members bring a variety of backgrounds and experience to the county chamber board. "I welcome our new board members, thank them for their willingness to serve and look forward to their input and guidance as we work to build and strengthen our chamber," said Katy Farber, chamber president. The new board members are pictured, from left: Jeff Dickey, The Dickey Group Inc.; Marta Cox, Leesburg Federal Savings Bank; Heather Cummings, NCB; and Amanda Bledsoe, Crowe Financial Group. Brad Markwood, South Central Power Company is absent from the photo.

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Cow Tax Draws Critcism

Our Genius Leadership! Your EPA is proposing to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act resulitng in new taxes on livestock operations. The fees proposed would be $175 for a dairy cow, $87.50 for a beef cow and $20 per hog! There is an article in the Buckeye Farm News, a Farm Bureau publication describing the proposal. Only in a America! To Read More http://ofbf.org/page/DTOD-7LWJHU.

Hudson River Crash - A True Miracle


On Thursday, January 15th, US Airways Flight 1549 crashed into the Hudson River shortly after takeoff at La Guardia Airport in New York City. This happened after the plane's engines were hit by a flock of birds. The pilot, Chesley "Sully" Sullenbrger, heroically landed the jet, resulting in 0 fatatlies.


This crash is a reminder to all of us just how fast accidents happen and truly what a miracle it was that no one lost their life.

Read more about this event by clicking here.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Market Update

It's 10 degrees right now which is a 20 degree temperature swing in just a few hours! A regular heat wave! I got up at 3 A.M. and it was 10 below on my front porch. That makes two nights in a row below 0. I grew up hearing Will Parr on WSRW call Harry Hart and talk about how cold it was in the Belfast valley and thought they were crazy about the temperatures they would report. It was always colder in Belfast than any where else. I thought Harry's thermometer was broke. Now that I'm in the area, I've become a believer!

Real Estate...We are quickly headed back to the way Banks and Lenders used to do business 20 years ago. If you don't have a down payment, a good credit score, and a good income...you will probably be a renter! Many folks ask me... what's wrong with that? Much of the real estate related crisis and foreclosures we are experiencing we brought on ourselves. Many families were allowed to buy homes (because the loan programs were available) that did not stand a chance of making it. When the mortgage broker, realtor, and title company are betting at the closing the buyer won't make it 6 months before going into default, it not a good sign! It was just matter of time before trouble would come...payday is here! Most of the foreclosures in our area are happening because of no money down loans and doublewide financing.

It depends whichside of the fence you are on! Buyers are loving the new market. Home values are down, interest rates are at record lows, inventory levels are high meaning there are some good opportunities and excellent values out there! I had a young couple say to me, "it' about time values come down...we can now enter the market, stop renting and buy a home! We have been waiting and felt like we were priced out the market and could not afford a nicer home." Guess what...they're right and they recently bought a home $20,000 under what it would have cost 18 months ago.

Lary Lohse, mortgage broker for Midwest Mortgage called yesterday and said another one of his sources for doublewide financing pulled all loans. This has steadily been happening one by one. This gradually forces buyers to have a bigger down payment and go with a conventional type loan. We'll see how this all plays out.