In this Issue of Mentor Local Buzz 🐝

  ☁️ Weather: Mostly Cloudy- Temps 32-33

 📢 Local Events from Mentor & the Area: MentorLocalBuzz.com/Events!

 📰 Local News:📰 Lake County Approves $14M in Tax Relief; Geauga Opts Out

 🌊 Great Lakes Living: Where the Shoreline Can Disappear Overnight

 🥾 Snowy Paths and Scenic Views Await on Mentor’s Winter Trails

 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Real Estate: 🏠 Retirees Can Downsize Without Monthly Payments Using a Reverse Mortgage

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

 🏀 Sports: 🏈 Cleveland Crumbles in Windy Loss Marked by Errors and Missed Chances

 🤔 Trivia Question

 🤣 Something Funny

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📰 Lake County Approves $14M in Homeowner Tax Relief; Geauga Opts Out

Lake and Geauga Counties Take Different Approaches to Property Tax Relief

Lake and Geauga counties, neighboring jurisdictions in NE Ohio, have adopted differing responses to a new state law that allows counties to offer expanded property tax relief.

The law, passed in June 2025, enables counties to increase homestead and owner occupancy credits. These changes can lower property tax bills for homeowners but come without a state reimbursement. As a result, any tax relief provided reduces revenue for all of the county’s services.

Counties now face a choice: reduce the tax burden for residents or preserve full funding for public agencies.

Lake County approved both expanded credits. This decision is expected to reduce local agency funding by about $14 million annually. Officials cited rising property values — and higher tax bills — as a reason for offering relief.

Geauga County, however, chose not to implement the tax credits, prioritizing continued funding for public services. County leaders expressed concern about the financial impact on essential agencies.

So far, only 10 of Ohio’s 88 counties have adopted the expanded homestead credit. Just four — including Lake — have doubled both credits. Most counties have opted to maintain agency funding.

The issue is unfolding as concerns over rising property taxes grow statewide, prompting lawmakers to consider broader reforms.

🌊 Great Lakes Living: Where the Shoreline Can Disappear Overnight

Understanding the Seiche: Lake Erie’s Dramatic Water Swings

Before diving into the science, let's clear up the pronunciation—seiche is said like SAY-sh. And while it may be a strange word, it describes a very real and dramatic phenomenon on Lake Erie.

Lake Erie, the shallowest of the Great Lakes, is especially prone to rapid water level changes. These sudden shifts, known as seiches, can make a noticeable impact in just a matter of hours.

Seiches occur when strong winds blow across the lake's surface, pushing water from one side to the other. Picture the lake like a giant bathtub—the wind pushes water toward one end, causing it to rise while levels drop on the opposite shore. In this case, powerful west winds recently gusted over 40 mph, pushing Lake Erie's waters eastward.

As a result, the water level near Toledo dropped by more than four feet, while Buffalo saw a rise of over four feet above normal. When the winds ease, the lake's waters begin to “slosh” back, swinging the levels again. This cycle can flip conditions quickly—from dry lakebeds to sudden flooding.

During these events, areas that are usually underwater may become temporarily exposed. While it can be fascinating to explore these rare sights, officials urge caution. Always stay updated on current conditions to avoid getting caught when the water rushes back in.

Read the Full Story at news5cleveland.com

🥾 Snowy Paths and Scenic Views Await on Mentor’s Winter Trails

Winter is the perfect time to enjoy Mentor’s 1,200 acres of parks and natural areas. With snow-covered paths and peaceful scenery, the city’s trails offer a relaxing way to connect with nature during the colder months.

For easy, family-friendly walks, head to Edward R. Walsh Park, Springbrook Gardens Park, or the Mentor Municipal Complex. These parks feature paved paths, wooded areas, ponds, and open spaces ideal for winter strolls. Walsh Park has a 1.5-mile loop, while Springbrook Gardens offers 1.7 miles of paths, including a boardwalk with views of a pond and restored prairie habitats that attract native birds and wildlife.

The trail at the Municipal Complex connects to Civic Center Park and nearby neighborhoods, with access to playgrounds, ballcourts, and other local spots.

For a more rugged hike, visit the Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve. Over three miles of trails wind through forest, marsh, and along Lake Erie, offering scenic views.

The Marsh Rim Trail and Overlook Trail connect hikers to panoramic marsh views and Lake Erie access. Meanwhile, the Zimmerman Trail, beginning at Morton Community Park, follows the Mentor Marsh and leads to Headlands Road, offering a chance to spot winter wildlife. Mentor’s park trails are open daily from dawn to dusk.

🏠 Retirees Can Downsize Without Monthly Payments Using a Reverse Mortgage

For many older homeowners, their current home no longer suits their needs. A HECM for Purchase can help them buy a new home without taking on monthly mortgage payments in retirement.

Understanding the HECM for Purchase Program

The HECM for Purchase is a specialized reverse mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), designed to help seniors buy a new primary residence. Unlike traditional reverse mortgages that are tied to an existing home, this loan is applied at the time of purchase.

To qualify, at least one borrower must be 62 or older. The property must be a primary residence and meet FHA’s property standards. Borrowers must also undergo a financial assessment to ensure they can afford ongoing expenses like taxes, insurance, and maintenance.

How the Process Works

While the HECM for Purchase eliminates monthly mortgage payments, it does require a significant down payment—usually between 45% and 70% of the home's value. The exact amount depends on the borrower’s age, current interest rates, and other factors. The reverse mortgage then covers the rest of the home’s price. Importantly, the down payment must come from personal funds or the sale of a previous home—not from the reverse mortgage itself.

After closing, the homeowner moves into the new property and enjoys freedom from monthly principal and interest payments. However, they are still responsible for ongoing costs such as taxes, insurance, and any homeowners association (HOA) fees.

Pros and Cons of Downsizing with a Reverse Mortgage

Advantages:

• No Monthly Mortgage Payments: Helps preserve retirement income by eliminating a major recurring expense.

• Home Better Suited to Needs: Enables a move into a smaller, single-level, or more conveniently located property.

• Increased Buying Power: Sale proceeds combined with the reverse mortgage may allow for the purchase of a more desirable home.

• Savings Protection: Buyers avoid depleting retirement accounts or liquid assets.

Disadvantages:

• Less Future Equity: Interest accrues over time, reducing the homeowner’s share of the home’s value.

• Higher Upfront Costs: FHA insurance and closing fees can make initial expenses significant.

• Not for Frequent Movers: The program is better suited for those planning to stay in their new home long-term.

Planning and Next Steps

Before choosing this type of mortgage, borrowers should compare quotes and consult a HUD-approved counselor to understand the full costs and long-term impact. For seniors looking to downsize while keeping financial flexibility, an HECM for Purchase may be a smart option.

Read the Full Article at themortgagereports.com

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

8254 Beaumont Dr., Mentor, OH 44060
4 Beds, 3.5 Baths, 2,846 Sqft. 0.24 Acre Lot
Sale Price $534,900
Listed by: Michelle Underwood Brokered by Platinum Real Estate
Link to Property Listing

7772 Barnaby Ln., Mentor, OH 44060
3 Beds, 2.5 Baths, 2,752 Sqft. 0.34 Acre Lot
Sale Price $519,000
Listed by: Adam Dudziak Brokered by Keller Williams Grt Cleve Ne
Link to Property Listing

5885 Mallard Ct., Mentor OH 44060
4 Beds, 2.5 Baths, 2,428 Sqft., 0.24 Acre Lot
Sale Price $353,900
Listed by: Lori Cerutti Brokered by McDowell Real Estate
Link to Property Listing

6270 Cumberland Dr., Mentor, OH 44060
3 Beds, 1.5 Baths, 1,520 Sqft., 0.29 Acre Lot
Sale Price $289,900
Listed by: Jane Gaglione Brokered by Howard Hanna - Mentor
Link to Property Listing

6430 Seneca Trl., Mentor, OH 44060
2 Beds, 1 Bath, 736 Sqft., 5,998 Sqft. Lot
Sale Price $174,900
Listed by: Jennifer Bayer Brokered by Homesmart Real Estate Momentum Llc
Link to Property Listing

Link to All the Home Listings in 44060 (161 in Total) in Zip Code 44060

🏈 Cleveland Crumbles in Windy Loss Marked by Errors and Missed Chances

The Cleveland Browns saw another winnable game slip away due to special teams errors, falling 26-8 to the San Francisco 49ers on a cold, windy afternoon. Despite a strong defensive effort and a solid outing from rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, costly miscues defined the game.

San Francisco struck early with a 66-yard punt return, setting up a short touchdown by Christian McCaffrey. Cleveland answered with a methodical, run-heavy drive, capped by Sanders connecting with tight end Harold Fannin for a touchdown. A two-point conversion gave the Browns a brief 8-7 lead, but the 49ers regained the advantage with a field goal just before halftime.

In the second half, special teams woes continued. A failed fourth-down attempt near midfield gave the 49ers a short field, and Brock Purdy extended the lead with a touchdown run. Later, a muffed punt by Gage Larvadain led to another San Francisco score, putting the game out of reach.

The Browns offense couldn’t find rhythm in key moments, as Sanders took costly sacks and struggled with decision-making under pressure. Running back Quinshon Judkins was a rare bright spot, rushing for 91 yards on 23 carries.

While the defense held its ground, repeated special teams breakdowns and missed offensive chances allowed the 49ers to take control. In another close contest, the Browns ultimately undermined themselves.

Read More, See Highlights at dawgsbynature.com

Source: Google

🤣 Something Funny 🤣

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