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Larry Clarke15362 Five Points PikeMount Sterling, Ohio 43143Office: (614) 487-8424 / (740) 869-4570lclarke@corum-realestate.com

REAL ESTATE COMPANY

P.O. Box 322Mount Sterling, OH 43143

Notable Quotables

Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.

~Theodore Roosevelt

Don’t measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you should have accomplished with your ability.

~John Wooden

Half a truth is often a great lie.~Benjamin Franklin

Life’s tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late.

~Benjamin Franklin

Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future.

~John F. Kennedy

The only man who never makes a mistake is the man who never does anything.

~Theodore Roosevelt

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Summer 2016

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. and Bunge Ltd., two of the largest U.S. grain traders, said they won’t accept a new variety of genetically-modified soybean being marketed by Monsanto Co. because it hasn’t been approved by the European Union and may put exports at risk.

Farmers have been asking ADM in recent weeks about Monsanto’s Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybeans, Jackie Anderson, a spokeswoman for Chicago-based ADM, said in an e-mail Monday. Until it’s approved by all major export markets, including the EU, ADM “cannot accept it at our facilities,” she said. White Plains, New York-based Bunge posted signs at its facilities and notices on its website as of March 31 about its decision, according to spokeswoman Susan Burns.

“The wide-scale planting of traits that are not approved by key importing countries has the potential to seriously diminish the competitiveness of American grain and feed exports, and can result in damages throughout the entire agricultural supply chain,” Anderson said. “ADM’s policy is not to accept any commodity that contains a trait until it is approved in all of our major export markets.”

A letter from grain groups representing traders sent to St. Louis-

ADM, Bunge Won’t Buy Monsanto’s New Genetically Modified Soyby Shruti Date Singh and Lydia MulvanyPublished on: May 3, 2016

based Monsanto on April 29 criticized the seed maker for selling its Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybeans to farmers this season before receiving the green light from the EU, a major importer. The groups, which include the National Grain and Feed Association, North American Export Grain Association, National Oilseed Processors Association, said they had “grave concerns” that the export sector is at risk, and asked how the company planned to make sure the unapproved commodity won’t be commingled with approved supplies, according to the letter.

The grain groups in the letter also said they are concerned that Monsanto “has deviated dramatically from its previous prudent policy of securing U.S. export market approvals” before selling the seed in the country.

‘Imminent’ Approval

EU approval of the soybeans is “imminent,” Monsanto spokeswoman Christi Dixon said in an e-mail. The new soybeans have been approved by the European Food Safety Authority, which issued a positive scientific opinion last June. With planting starting in the U.S., Monsanto is giving farmers a choice of planting the new soybeans or an incremental product. Growers can also trade in or cancel orders, with the company waiving certain charges, Dixon said.

Monsanto expects farmers to seed 3 million acres of the soybean this year, which are resistant to two herbicides, glyphosate and dicamba. The company is developing products to address the declining effectiveness of the herbicide glyphosate, sold by Monsanto as Roundup, as weeds become resistant. Chief Operating Officer Brett Begemann said during an earnings call in April that demand for the technology was strong.

This is the latest tussle between grain traders and seed companies amid a patchwork of global regulations and approvals for different seed varieties. Corn farmers and traders have alleged losses reaching billions of dollars after China two years ago rejected corn shipments containing traces of Syngenta AG’s genetically modified corn marketed as Viptera and Duracade, Bloomberg Intelligence Analyst Brandon Barnes said in a report in December.

The stakes may be even higher now for both sides than a few years ago as they cope with a commodity downturn amid three straight years of lower corn, wheat and soybean prices. Grain traders face smaller profits on slowing global demand growth and don’t want to lose export customers. Meanwhile, Monsanto and other companies selling agricultural products -- from tractors to seed to fertilizer -- are seeing sales slide as farmers cut back purchases because their incomes are dropping.

Corum Real Estate Company (614) 487-8424 lclarke@corum-realestate.com www.corum-realestate.com

A House Divided: Report Unveils Surprising Differences in HowDemocrats, Republicans Approach Home Projects

Red Flags for Tax Auditors

Democrats are more willing to spend money on home projects and Republicans are more likely to complete “do-it-yourself ” projects, according to HomeAdvisor’s 2016 True Cost Report. The report provides insight into how generational, regional and political aspects affect American homeowners’ attitudes, spending habits and decision-making when it comes to home improvement projects. The report is informed by HomeAdvisor’s True Cost Guide, a robust database that collects real cost data from millions of homeowner projects, as well as results from an annual survey* conducted among homeowners.

“The survey uncovered that factors such as political affiliation, age and geographic location can significantly affect American homeowners’ attitudes and decision-making when it comes to home improvement and repair projects,” said HomeAdvisor’s Cost Advisor Leah Ingram. “Additionally, homeowners are more willing to invest in home improvement projects and are prepared to do so.”

Highlights of the 2016 True Cost Report include:• Homeowner spending and home

project habits are similar among Millennials and Baby Boomers, as both age groups are completing more home maintenance and repair projects than any other age group.

• Homeowners are saving for home projects, with 92 percent of homeowners paying for home maintenance and repair projects with cash and home improvements ranking second only to vacations when it comes to matters for which homeowners save money – ranking above cars, jewelry, home appliances and furniture.

• Homeowners are most focused on remodeling, routine maintenance and repair, and energy and security projects, with alarm installation and locksmith services ranking highest among homeowner requests in the past year.

“Our data indicated that in the past 12 months, there was a 47 percent increase in homeowners who spent more than $1,000 on home improvement projects,” continued Ingram. “We attribute this rise to the shrinking housing inventories and escalating home prices, which provide equity for homeowners to boost the enjoyment and monetary values of their existing properties.”

HomeAdvisor’s True Cost Guide gives homeowners guidance on what they can expect to pay for home projects in their local area by providing cost information for more than 350 projects based on data reported by real homeowners.

About HomeAdvisorHomeAdvisor is a nationwide digital

home services marketplace providing homeowners the tools and resources for home repair, maintenance, and improvement projects. HomeAdvisor’s marketplace lets homeowners view average project costs coast-to-coast using True Cost Guide, find local prescreened home professionals, and instantly book appointments online or through HomeAdvisor’s award-winning iOS and Android mobile apps. Access to all of HomeAdvisor’s resources is free for homeowners, with no membership or fees required. HomeAdvisor is based in Golden, Colo., and is an operating business of IAC (NASDAQ: IAC).

*Data included in the True Cost Report is based on a survey conducted by Hanover Research on behalf of HomeAdvisor. The survey was conducted among 1,653 homeowners, ages 25 or older, from February 4-19, 2016. All survey participants were involved in purchasing decisions related to home maintenance and improvement projects completed in the prior 12 months. Additionally, the data for the top home improvement projects is based on the number of service requests submitted through HomeAdvisor.com from March 1, 2015-March 1, 2016; project cost data is based on data submitted to True Cost Guide from April 4, 2008-March 1, 2016.

No one wants to see an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) auditor show up at his or her door. The IRS can’t audit every American’s tax return, so it relies on guidelines to select the ones most deserving of its attention.

Here are six flags that may make your tax return prime for an IRS audit.¹

The Chance of an Audit Rises with Income

According to the IRS, less than 1% of all individual taxpayer returns are audited. However, the percent of audits rises to nearly 4% for those with incomes between $500,000 and $1 million, and is over 8% for those making between $1 million and $5 million.²

Deviations from the MeanThe IRS has a scoring system it calls

the Discriminant Information Function that is based on the deduction, credit, and exemption norms for taxpayers in each of the income brackets. The IRS does not disclose its formula for identifying aberrations that trigger an audit, but it helps if your return is within the range of others with similar income.

When a Business is Really a HobbyTaxpayers who repeatedly report business

losses increase their audit risk. In order for the IRS not to consider your business as a hobby, it needs to have earned a profit in three of the last five years.

Non-Reporting of IncomeThe IRS receives income information

from employers and financial institutions. Individuals who overlook reported income are easily identified and may provoke greater scrutiny.

Discrepancies Between ExesWhen divorced spouses prepare individual

tax returns, the IRS compares the separate submissions to identify instances where alimony payments may be deducted on one return, while alimony income goes unreported on the contra party’s return. Another common tripwire is when both former spouses claim the same dependents.

Claiming Rental LossesPassive loss rules prevent deductions

of losses on rental real estate, except in the event when an individual is actively

participating in the property’s management (deduction is limited and phased out), or with real estate professionals who devote greater than 50% of their working hours to this activity. This is a deduction to which the IRS pays keen attention.

1. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation.2. IRS, 2016The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright 2016 FMG Suite.

Whether a satellite crashes into your home or a volcano burns it to the ground, your insurance might just cover the dam-age. It’s important to read your insurance policies and understand what is and what isn’t covered.

Some of the more unusual things that your insurance policy might cover include:

Lightning Strikes. Homes partially or en-tirely destroyed by lightning-caused fire may be covered by a homeowners policy. Damage to electronic equipment could also be covered. Lightning strikes to cars may be covered by your comprehensive policy.

Identity Theft. Some homeowners or renters policies or endorsements may cover certain expenses associated with identity theft, such as attorney fees and lost earnings.

Spoiled Food. In the event of a prolonged power outage, your homeowners policy may reimburse for the value of spoiled contents of your freezer and refrigerator

Student Possessions. If your college stu-dent lives in a dorm, his possessions may be covered by your homeowners policy. However, if he lives in an off-campus apartment, he must buy renters insur-ance.

Volcano Damage. In the unlikely event that Ohio experiences a volcanic erup-tion, your homeowners policy may cover damage to your home from ash, dust, lava flow, fire or shockwaves. However, your homeowners policy will not cover damage to your home from earthquakes, floods or mudslides that result from the eruption.

Aircraft Crashes into House. Although aircraft and drones seldom crash into homes, damage from such a crash may be covered.

Space Debris. On the rare chance that a satellite or meteor should hit your home, you may be covered.

Explosions. Explosions may be covered under your policy. Damage from explo-sions might be caused by anything from a gas leak in your home to a disaster at a nearby factory.

Riots. A homeowners or renters policy may cover theft and damage caused by rioting. Comprehensive insurance on your auto policy may cover damage to your car.

Legal Representation for Car Accidents. You could be sued if you are at fault in an automobile accident. Legal help may be covered by your auto policy.