In this Mentor Local Buzz Issue…

☁️ Weather: Mostly Cloudy, Possible Afternoon Shower - Temps 49-52

 🎉 Events: 50+ Live Events. Direct Link to Mentor Live Events

 📰 Local News: 📰 Phil Predicts Six More Weeks of Winter, Others Bring Mixed Forecasts

 📅 Mentor Board to Review Large Sign Variance Requests on Feb. 11

 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Special Section: Real Estate: 💰How to Avoid PMI Without 20% Down

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

 🏀 Sports: 🏀 Lake Catholic Holds Off University School for 68-65 Victory

 🏀 Cavs Make History with 91-Point First Half in Blowout Win Over Mavericks

 🤔 Trivia Question

 🤣 Something Funny

 📢 Advertise With Us!

👉 Mentor Live Events 👈
Feb 3-5

Complete list of events and all the details in the link above “Mentor Live Events”. New Events Added Daily.

See All the Upcoming Events Here at:
Mentor Live Events!
50+ Event Dates

📰 Phil Predicts Six More Weeks of Winter as Groundhog Day Brings Mixed Forecasts

Americans gathered on Sunday morning for the annual Groundhog Day tradition, eager to hear whether winter would persist or spring would arrive early. Unfortunately for those longing for warmer days, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, signaling six more weeks of winter.

Phil’s prediction aligns with incoming snowfall in parts of the Northeast, but despite his fame, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) ranks him second to last in accuracy among forecasting groundhogs.

However, other groundhogs across the country offered mixed predictions:

• Staten Island Chuck (New York) predicted an early spring, boasting an 85% accuracy rate, the highest among his peers.

• Sun Prairie Jimmy (Wisconsin) also called for an early spring, holding a 60% accuracy rate.

• General Beauregard Lee (Georgia) agreed with Phil, predicting six more weeks of winter, but he ranks second in accuracy at 80%.

• Buckeye Chuck (Ohio), following Ohio tradition, forecasted an early spring, appearing at the Marion County Fairgrounds for his annual prediction. He has a 55% accuracy rate.

Source: 10tv.com and foxweather.com

📅 Mentor Board to Review Large Sign Variance Requests on Feb. 11

The Mentor Municipal Board of Building and Zoning Appeals will hold a public hearing on February 11, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Mentor Council Chambers to review several variance requests related to signage regulations.

Three separate applications seek approval for signs exceeding the city's size and placement restrictions.

• Buyers Products and Affiliates (Tyler Boulevard) – A variance request for properties at 8120, 8200, and 8230 Tyler Boulevard seeks to install a ground sign measuring 111.8 square feet, with a height of 11 feet and width of 10.17 feet. This exceeds the city's limits of 40 square feet in area, 10 feet in height, and 5 feet in width. Additionally, the request includes an off-premise sign in an M-2 Heavy Manufacturing District, where such signs are typically prohibited.

• Brilliant Electric Sign Co. & Cleveland Clinic (Norton Parkway) – A request for a 48.68-square-foot ground sign at 8300 Norton Parkway, standing at 10.25 feet high, slightly exceeding the maximum allowed 40 square feet and 10-foot height. The proposal also includes a request for a reduced front setback of 1 foot from the right-of-way instead of the required 5 feet in a C-1 Conservation District.

• and others.

Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to attend the hearing at 8500 Civic Center Boulevard to voice their opinions or seek further clarification on these proposed variances.

Source: cityofmentor.com

💰 How to Avoid PMI Without a 20% Down Payment

For many homebuyers, private mortgage insurance (PMI) is an added cost they'd prefer to avoid. PMI is typically required when a buyer puts down less than 20% on a home purchase, increasing the overall monthly mortgage payment. However, there are several ways to sidestep this extra expense without needing a full 20% down payment.

Understanding PMI and Its Costs

PMI is an insurance policy that protects lenders if a borrower defaults on their mortgage. This cost is usually added to the monthly mortgage payment, potentially making homeownership more expensive over time. For example, on a $300,000 home with a 10% down payment ($30,000), PMI would likely be required unless alternative financing options are used.

Strategies to Avoid PMI

Homebuyers can explore various mortgage options to avoid PMI while still making a lower down payment. Here are some common strategies:

1. Lender-Paid Mortgage Insurance (LPMI) – Some lenders offer mortgage programs where they cover the PMI cost in exchange for a slightly higher interest rate.

2. Piggyback Loans (80/10/10 Loans) – This strategy involves taking out a second loan to cover part of the down payment, reducing the primary mortgage amount below the PMI threshold.

3. VA Loans (For Eligible Military Members) – Veterans, active-duty service members, and some surviving spouses can qualify for VA loans, which require no PMI even with a 0% down payment.

4. USDA Loans (For Rural and Suburban Buyers) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers no-down-payment loans with no PMI for qualifying buyers in rural areas.

And many more. Read the article in the link here at themortgagereports.com

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

5951 Center St., Mentor, OH. 44060
4 Beds, 3.5 Baths, 3,191 Sqft. 0.75 Acre Lot
Sale Price $439,900
Listed by: Laura Mokwa Brokered by McDowell Real Estate
Link to Property Listing

7677 Kittery Ln., Mentor, OH 44060
4 Beds, 2 Baths, 2,094 Sqft., 0.35 Acre Lot
Sale Price $360,000
Listed by: Jonathan Minerick Brokered by Homecoin.com
Link to Property Listing

7660 Sunflower Ct., Mentor, OH 44060
3 Beds, 2 Baths, 2,341 Sqft., 0.35 Acre Lot
Sale Price $319,900
Listed by: Debra Pizzo Brokered by CENTURY 21 Asa Cox Homes
Link to Property Listing

6287 Meadowbrook Dr., Mentor, OH 44060
3 Beds, 2 Baths, 1,564 Sqft. 0.29 Acre Lot
Sale Price $300,000
Listed by: Sara DiFranco
Link to Property Listing

6811 Farmingdale Ln., Mentor, OH 44060
2 Beds, 1 Baths, 1,064 Sqft. Condo
Sale Price $239,000
Listed by: Michael Huebner Brokered by CENTURY 21 HomeStar
Link to Property Listing

Link to Other Listings in Zip Code 44060

🏀 Lake Catholic Holds Off University School for 68-65 Victory

Lake Catholic edged out University School in a thrilling 68-65 win on Saturday, overcoming a second-half surge from the Preppers. The Cougars took a commanding 42-29 lead at halftime, but University responded with a 9-0 run to start the third quarter, cutting the deficit to just four points at that point in the 3rd period.

Jimmy Gibbons broke the Cougars’ scoring drought with a crucial three-pointer midway through the third, helping Lake Catholic regain control and extend their lead to 54-47 heading into the final quarter.

The fourth quarter remained tight, with University School repeatedly closing the gap to just two points. A missed three-pointer by University in the closing seconds sealed the win for Lake Catholic.

Aiden Webb led the Cougars with 15 points, seven assists, and seven steals. Stanton Powaski contributed 12 points, while Cross Nimmo and Jimmy Gibbons each added 11. Ace Peterlin chipped in with seven points and two steals.

With the victory, Lake Catholic improved to 11-6 overall and 4-3 in conference play. The Cougars return to action on February 4 at home against Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin.

🏀 Cavs Make History with 91-Point First Half in Blowout Win Over Mavericks

The Cleveland Cavaliers overwhelmed the Dallas Mavericks with a record-setting performance Sunday night, cruising to a 144-101 victory. Cleveland's 91 first-half points matched the third-most in NBA history and set several franchise records, including most three-pointers in a game (26), most points in a quarter (50 in the first), and largest halftime lead (45 points).

Cleveland came out scorching, hitting 9 of 11 three-pointers in the first quarter and maintaining relentless offensive pressure throughout. By halftime, the Cavaliers had already drained 16 three-pointers on 73% shooting from deep. Sam Merrill led the charge with 27 points on nine three-pointers, while Evan Mobley contributed 22 points and 11 rebounds in just 23 minutes.

The Mavericks, reeling from the trade of superstar Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers earlier in the day, struggled to compete without Kyrie Irving and multiple injured players. Head coach Jason Kidd acknowledged the challenges but appreciated the opportunity for lesser-used players to gain experience.

Cleveland’s dominance continued into the second half, and when the team neared its record-breaking 26th three-pointer, players urged Merrill to keep shooting. He eventually delivered, setting the new mark with 1:49 remaining.

With the win, the NBA-leading Cavaliers improved to 40-9 as they continue their stellar season.

Read the Full Article at apnews.com

Source: Google

🤣 Something Funny 🤣