What Akron residents really need for Christmas

Dear Santa,

I have a unique request this year for the good little boys and girls in Akron .. but unlike last year, I don't want you to give them something .. I want you to take something away from them.

Can you please help some of them to sell their homes?

I drive through so many neighborhoods of all shapes, sizes, and economic levels, and see so many nice family homes up for sale. Some of these homes have been for sale for a full year or longer. Many are empty as the families have moved on for any number of reasons.

And Santa, in way too many cases, these families are paying two mortgages leaving no real $$ for dinner let alone presents for their kids this year.

For us Akron folks, our lack of home sales is more of a crisis than Rudolph's nose!

Please understand that it's not that I want to see these folks move out. Rather, I'd like to see other families moving in to these homes and repopulating these great neighborhoods. Many folks would rather meet their new neighbors in Whoville than wonder if they'll be living by "for sale" signs and dark windows for much longer.

I visited Howard Hannah alone has 3,362 Akron properties for sale on their list alone! (I checked it twice because I know you alway do.)

Santa, it's one of those problems that's impacting everyone in town. If you're not selling a home, you're living next to or across from one that's up for grabs. I drive around town feeling like I'm stuck in a scavenger hunt where I'm supposed to be counting signs or looking for the secret codes or something. I just can't escape it!

I'm not quite sure if "Sold" signs will fit down the chimney, but there's a lot of families whose homes are for sale that would be glad to rewrite a holiday classic this way:

"When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

And there stood a buyer with just enough cash!"

Thanks for listening ... and I hope Rudolph's nose is in good shape for the big trip.

Eric

P.S. I have to confess that those chocolate chip cookies with your name on em' that somehow aren't there when you arrive .. well, how shall I say this .... I ate em! Sorry big guy.