Real Estate and Rental and Leasing Sector Summary

The real estate sector includes rentals and leases of homes, apartments, and commercial properties. While Wayne County retains its agricultural heritage with many farms, new business enterprises continue to develop and expand urban areas within the county, and a growing population has also pushed a continuing need for new housing.

Real estate agencies have a long history in the county. In 1894, the only listed real estate agency was McClellan and Sanborn, located on the northeast side of Public Square in Wooster. Six years later, they were no longer listed as a business.

One of the oldest continuously operating real estate agencies is Landes and Landes, started by Elmer S. Landes in 1905 and originally located over Frank Wells Drug Store. In 1907, Elmer's brother, Clarence Landes, joined the business. In the 1908-1909 Moore's Directory, the business is listed as Landis Realty Agency at 11 E. Liberty St. in Wooster, Ohio.