In this Mentor Local Buzz Issue…

⛅ Mentor Weather - Sunshine! - Temps 72-74

 🎉 Mentor Live Events - 50+ Live Events. Events Added Daily

🏗️ Mentor Library Announces $4 Million Main Branch Expansion

 📰 Just Kids’ Stuff Garage Sale Returns September 7 at Garfield Park

 📰 Lake County Moves Forward with $205 Million Safety Center Project

 📆 Join the Bigfoot Bash on September 10 at the Main Branch!

 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Special Section: Real Estate: 🏦 From Preapproval to Closing: Navigating the Mortgage Journey

🏘️ Featured New Home Listings for Sale in Mentor, Ohio (44060)

⚾ Williams Dominates as Guardians Hand Royals Sixth Straight Loss

 🤔 Trivia Question

 🤣 Something Funny

👉👉 Put Your Local Business in the Spotlight! Click Here

Mentor Live Events
Sep 3-5

See the details for these events in the link above for Mentor Live Events. New Events Added Daily

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50+ Event Dates

🏗️Mentor Library Announces $4 Million Main Branch Expansion

The Mentor Public Library is embarking on a $4 million project to modernize its main branch, with construction set to begin next year. This expansion will enhance both the interior and exterior, addressing the evolving needs of the community without requiring additional taxpayer funding.

Key improvements include an expanded children’s play area, an upgraded makerspace, and more space for passport services. The library also plans to add a soundproofed study room and a dedicated space for teens. Outside, a new shelter is being considered to support outdoor programming, with additional seating for reading and relaxation.

The main branch, originally built in the 1960s and expanded in the 1980s, no longer meets the demands of today’s patrons. The planned upgrades are a direct response to feedback from a 2023 community focus group and patron survey, which highlighted the need for more green space and a larger children’s area.

The library’s strategic plan, finalized in 2022, prioritizes expanding its facilities. In preparation, the library has acquired adjacent properties over the years, although these purchases are not included in the current $4 million budget. The library is also addressing traffic concerns from nearby residents, with ongoing discussions to find solutions.

Public input is important to the library, and the next community session for feedback is scheduled for October.

Read More at Mentor Public Library’s Website

📰 Just Kids’ Stuff Garage Sale Returns September 7 at Garfield Park

Get ready for the Just Kids’ Stuff Garage Sale, happening on Saturday, September 7, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Garfield Park Pavilion. This event is the largest sale of children’s items in the area, offering a great opportunity to clean out your toy boxes, closets, and attics.

Residents can reserve a city-owned table for $25 starting on August 5, while nonresidents can do so for $30 beginning August 6. Alternatively, you can bring your own table and set up in a 10’ x 10’ space for the same fee, payable on the morning of the sale. To reserve your spot, call 440-974-5720.

Please note the following guidelines: Items cannot be sold from your car, and you are not allowed to hang items on clotheslines from trees or the pavilion. An adult must be present at each table throughout the event. Residents should bring a current utility bill and driver’s license to qualify for the resident rate. Set up begins at 7 a.m. – no earlier.

See the Facebook Event Here for More Details

📰 Lake County Moves Forward with $205 Million Safety Center Project

Lake County Administrator Jason Boyd recently provided an in-depth update on the new Lake County Safety Center, which is being hailed as the largest capital investment in the county's history. The current jail, which has been in operation since 1990, is frequently at capacity and requires extensive renovations. To address these issues, the new facility will increase capacity from 353 to 504 beds, accommodating the county's growing needs.

The Lake County Board of Commissioners has approved $160 million in bonds and notes to partially fund the construction and equipping of the center. Boyd shared detailed design plans, including schematic drawings and floor layouts, with construction set to begin in mid-November. The project is expected to be completed by July 2027.

Commissioners have praised the project's progress, emphasizing the expertise of the team involved and the prudent use of taxpayer dollars. The new three-and-a-half story, 230,000-240,000-square-foot facility will provide a modern and secure environment for law enforcement and corrections personnel. The total estimated cost of the project is $205 million.

For the latest updates on the Lake County Public Safety Center, residents can visit the county's website and click on “Public Safety Center Updates.”

📆 Join the Bigfoot Bash on September 10 at the Main Branch!

Join us for an unforgettable Bigfoot Bash at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, September 10, at our Main Branch! This event is perfect for Bigfoot enthusiasts of all ages. Bigfoot researcher Amy Blue will share insights from her search for the legendary sasquatch, while kids (ages 6 to 12) can enjoy fun cryptozoological crafts and games.

This event is free, but registration is required. Reserve your spot online or by calling 440-255-8811 ext. 3.

 🏦 From Preapproval to Closing: Navigating the Mortgage Journey

Navigating the mortgage process, particularly as a first-time homebuyer, can be overwhelming. However, understanding each step can make the journey more manageable. Here’s a typical timeline for securing a mortgage, keeping in mind that delays can occur due to various factors.

1. Securing a Mortgage Preapproval (Up to 45 Days)

Before house hunting, it's crucial to assess your finances and establish a budget. Preapproval is the first formal step, helping you understand how much you can borrow. This stage involves reviewing your credit score, disputing any errors, and possibly improving your financial standing to secure favorable loan terms.

With a clear budget, you can then approach a lender for preapproval. You'll need documents like W-2 forms, tax returns, and recent bank statements. Preapproval not only defines your budget but also signals to sellers that you're a serious buyer.

2. Finding a Property and Making an Offer (Around 10 Weeks)

The search for a home typically takes about 10 weeks. A real estate agent can be invaluable in guiding you through this process, helping you identify properties within your budget. Once you find a home, you’ll work with your agent to make an offer, which includes the price, a proposed closing date, and any contingencies like financing or inspections. Once agreed upon, both parties sign a purchase agreement.

3. Applying for a Mortgage (One Week)

After your offer is accepted, the next step is to formally apply for a mortgage with the lender you’ve chosen. At this stage, you’ll receive official loan estimates and can compare interest rates and closing costs. This is also when you lock in your interest rate and decide if you want to purchase mortgage discount points.

4. Underwriting and Loan Processing (Three to Four Weeks)

During this phase, your application is reviewed in detail. The lender’s underwriting team will verify your financial information, check your employment status, and ensure you have the necessary funds for closing. Additional steps include a home inspection, where an expert checks the property for any issues, and an appraisal to confirm the home’s value aligns with the sale price. A title search is also conducted to ensure there are no legal claims on the property.

5. Closing on the Property (One Week)

Once everything is approved, you’ll receive a closing disclosure summarizing the loan terms and closing costs. You’ll have a few days to review this document before the closing day. On closing day, you’ll conduct a final walk-through of the property, then sign the final documents and take possession of your new home.

6. After Closing on the Mortgage

With the keys in hand, your focus shifts to maintaining your mortgage payments and managing the financial responsibilities of homeownership. It’s wise to build a savings buffer to cover at least six months of mortgage payments to protect against unforeseen financial challenges.

Source: money.usnews.com

🏘️ Featured New Home Listings for Sale in Mentor, Ohio (44060)

8230 Yorkshire Dr, Mentor, OH 44060
4 Beds, 2 Baths, 2,030 Sqft., 0.35 Acre Lot
Sale Price $498,500
Listed by: HomeSmart Real Estate Momentum Brokered by Homesmart Real Estate Momentum Llc
Link to Property Listing

5341 Highland Way, Mentor, OH 44060
3 Beds, 2 Baths, 1,812 Sqft., 0.25 Acre Lot
Sale Price $470,000
Listed by Lori DiCesare Brokered by Howard Hanna - Aurora
Link to Property Listing

7815 Hidden Hollow Dr., Mentor, OH 44060
4 Beds, 2.5 Baths, 2,382 Sqft., 0.23 Acre Lot
Sale Price $364,900
Listed by: Denise Kovatch Brokered by Howard Hanna - Mentor
Link to Property Listing

8814 Lake Shore Blvd, Mentor, OH 44060
4 Beds, 2 Baths, 2,200 Sqft., 0.70 Acre Lot
Sale Price $230,000
Listed by: Nicholas J. Huscroft Brokered by Chosen Realty
Link to Property Listing

4717 Homewood Dr., Mentor, OH 44060
3 Beds, 1 Bath, 924 Sqft., 6,800 Sqft Lot
Sale Price $179,900
Listed by: Jenna L Johnson Brokered by WhiteStone Real Estate
Link to Property Listing

Link to Other Listings in Mentor or Zip Code 44060

⚾ Williams Dominates as Guardians Hand Royals Sixth Straight Loss

Lane Thomas and Josh Naylor led the Cleveland Guardians to a 4-2 win over the Kansas City Royals on Monday, extending the Royals' losing streak to six games. Gavin Williams was dominant on the mound for Cleveland, allowing just one run and one hit over seven innings while striking out six.

Thomas put the Guardians ahead in the fifth inning with a two-run homer, his first since joining the team in July. Josh Naylor added a 420-foot home run in the sixth, scoring Jose Ramirez, who had singled earlier. Naylor continued his hot streak, going 11-for-21 with eight RBIs over his last five games.

Kansas City managed only two hits, both by Yuli Gurriel, who later left the game with hamstring tightness. Gurriel’s double in the second inning led to the Royals' first run, and his double in the eighth set up their final score on a sacrifice fly.

Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. served as the designated hitter for the first time this season, going 0-for-3 with a walk. With manager Matt Quatraro absent due to a personal matter, bench coach Paul Hoover managed the game.

Emmanuel Clase closed out the win for Cleveland, earning his 41st save of the season.

Read More at reuters.com

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🤣 Something Funny 🤣

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