Wendy & Associates
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Keller Williams RED DAY
- Location factors in in many ways- if you are in a location that doesn?t have a typically high resale value, it may not be a bad idea to rent- however you must pay attention to city code to ensure that any changes that come along with having someone rent, are not going to adversely effect your plans. Locations with strong resale values are great candidates for resale, and listing your home for sale would be the ideal option. It is also important to consider the proximity to your new home, as you will have to visit or arrange a third party to maintain any issues that may arise.
- Financing and loan options are effected in circumstances of rent and second mortgages- It may be difficult to obtain a second mortgage in order to purchase a new home, and your original mortgage may have stipulations regarding owner-occupancy versus tenant occupancy. Timing also plays a factor as if you are looking to sell and haven?t owned the home long, you may be penalized by your mortgage company for doing so. It is important to research all aspects when making the decision! In addition, your homeowners insurance policies would need to change as well.
- Taxes and Fees definitely play a role in the decision to sell or rent your home- Many don?t factor in condo or home association fees when considering a rent amount to charge, and taxes will need to be covered as well. It is important to consider all of the financial numbers before making the final decision. Keep in mind as well that certain utilities, such as water, remain the property owners? responsibility.
- Amenities typically included in a rental can be appliances as well as furniture in many situations. If your new home doesn?t have appliances, a second set may need to be purchased for either the home you will rent out, or your new home.
- Maintenance is a key factor when deciding to sell or rent out your home- as mentioned, proximity plays a role as you will have to be available for maintenance issues that arise- as well as regular maintenance, such as landscaping, in many situations. The costs for time and supplies would need to be factored in to your end decision as well.
One More Week! Thanksgiving Tradition
In my house, and my office and every other aspect of my life
for that matter- Thanksgiving tradition will not fall by the wayside! I do not
want sales, lists and coupons! I want family, turkey and pies on the last
Thursday of November! The tradition has
evolved slightly since its start in the 1600?s- sweets are now a staple, and
weren?t available then, and our attire has been updated, and the day is spent surrounded
with friends and family.
Somewhere along the way the tradition of hitting the malls
and big box stores on the Friday after Thanksgiving for crazy deals on
everything from televisions to blenders- has changed. It started as a slow change, with the hours
creeping earlier and earlier- and before we knew it in the last 10 years we saw
the stores start to open at the wee hours of the morning. Now, this monster we call Black Friday is
beginning to get a little out of control.
Don?t get me wrong- I love great sales as much as the next person, but
not at the expense of family time on a Holiday!
The very purpose behind current Thanksgiving tradition is to
spend time with the ones we love, and to be THANKFUL for all that we have. Yes, this is already slightly misdirected,
because yes we should be thankful every day- but the point is that on this one
day we should not be rushing out the door to shop or in many cases, to work!
Instead of enjoying the time we have, we are either to worried about getting to
the store as it opens- or needing to get there because of a work shift. In my opinion, Black Friday is plenty long
enough and should be kept as BLACK FRIDAY!
Whether you will be cooking or shopping this Thursday, or a
combination of the two- just remember where the holiday came from and try to
keep sight of it. At this point,
boycotting isn?t going to change the fact that the stores are opening Thursday
for Pre- Black Friday. However, we
cannot lose the spirit of yet another holiday and allow it to be completely
revolving around gifts and goods! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Have a SAFE Winter!
Buying or Selling a home can often cause for us all to allow
for certain things to slip through the cracks, even important ones. Whether you are new in your home, or have
lived there for decades- it is important to maintain some priorities! One of those
key things, that is overlooked much to often, is safety with fire and carbon
monoxide. New
homes mean that you need to inventory, check and plan for safety equipment,
including detectors, ladders and even a plan of action for exit and meeting. This is especially important if you have you
children, but honestly none of us should be ignoring it!
Most of us are pretty good about having smoke alarms,
however how often we check them ? could be a different story! There are two types of smoke alarms, and it
is typically recommended that both be in a home (or the combination version) ?
as they function differently and serve their own unique purpose. Smoke detectors should be placed on all
floors of your home ? including in your basement and garage! Always make sure that if they are battery
operated, you are testing and changing the batteries as necessary ? some new
construction will have the alarms hard-wired into the house electrical system,
but battery operated versions are more common.
In addition to your smoke detectors, it is also important that you have
an emergency plan in place, and have discussed and reviewed it with your
family. Plan safe exits, meeting points,
etc. to ensure that your family understands and can react if necessary in your
new home.
Carbon Monoxide detectors are less common, and more
expensive- than a regular smoke alarm.
However, since carbon monoxide is credited with being the leading agent
in accidental deaths from poisoning, it is something that we should not take
lightly. As most know, carbon monoxide
is a result of our appliances that burn fuel in order to function. Furnaces, stoves, grills, fireplaces and
dryers all produce carbon monoxide, with ranges being the most common producer
due to the open flame. However- it
should be noted that most deaths and poisonings are a result of carbon monoxide
from cars- if a car is running in an enclosed space, especially an attached
garage, this can be particularly dangerous.
If your new home has an attached garage, be sure to practice smart
behavior, and alert all of your driving-age family members- of the dangers that
could result. It can be easy and
tempting, especially here in cold Northeast OHIO to want to start you car and
warm it up indoors- but you simply just can?t.
The detectors for Carbon Monoxide can be purchased at any
hardware store or big box DIY store- such as Lowes or Home Depot- and they
function by measuring the amount of carbon monoxide that has accumulated over
time. Carbon monoxide can be dangerous
if you are exposed to low levels over a long time, and also if you have high
levels occurring quickly. Read alarm
information and packaging to pick the alarm that is best for you! It is also important to remember that these
detectors run using an electrical outlet- so if the power is out, the detector
no longer serves its purpose. This may
also be another great reason to consider getting a back up power source, like a
generator, if your new home is in an area that tends to have more frequent
power outages.
Winter months mean we are running our furnaces more
frequently, and also our fireplaces and warming up our cars! These both increase fire and carbon monoxide
risks- so take the right precautions and keep yourself and your family safe!
Northeast Ohio?s Signature Holiday
Happy Sweetest Day!- Although it has grabbed a bad reputation
over the years- labeled as a candy-industry creation, or Hallmark Holiday - it?s
early start is nothing to forget.
The very first Sweetest Day was in Cleveland in the early
1920?s- A committee planned the first
Sweetest Day and distributed candy and treats to ?newsboys, orphans, old folks,
and the poor? in an effort to do something kind for those less fortunate. Several big ticket movie stars assisted in
handing out the treats, and the rest is history!
Today we view Sweetest Day as a secondary, love-related holiday
in comparison to Valentine?s day.
Predominantly celebrated in Cleveland and Detroit, although the
tradition did catch on in a few other places throughout the US.
It is quite possible that if you visit other parts of the
country and mention this October holiday, people may have no idea what you are
talking about! However if you have
recently moved to Northeast Ohio, you better be prepared to participate!
Halloween Fun in Northeast Ohio
?Tis the season to bundle up, dress up and venture out for
some Halloween and Fall fun! Our area
has an abundance of things to see and do in October! From local pumpkin patches
to hayrides and hauntings- Clear your schedules and enjoy this time of year!
Lake Metroparks has haunted hayrides and a spooky trail-
great for the kids, but be sure to make reservations! The events will sell out
quickly, but now is the perfect time while the weather is still decent. Cleveland Metroparks also hosts Fall
hayrides- running throughout October on Saturday evenings and Sunday
afternoons.
Boo at the Zoo is another fantastic event- October 17-20 & 24-27, 2013 from
6 - 9 p.m. at
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo- and Friday, Saturday and Sundays at Akron Zoo-
find kiddo-friendly (non-scary) décor and fun- including Trick or Treat, animal
exhibits and entertainment at every turn.
For adult fun, Put-in-Bay is hosting Octoberfest THIS
WEEKEND! And there is also an array of haunted houses in and around our
area. If you love to be frightened, then
you will definitely find enough to keep you busy this month! Couple that with
Halloween parties and horror movie debuts- Plenty to scare and celebrate.
Of course we can?t forget choosing and carving pumpkins,
picking apples and hot apple cider- The favorites that tie the entire season
together. Just make sure you leave time
to do that fall yard cleanup! Better yet, grab the pumpkin leaf bags and double
your cleanup and decorating- it?s a win-win!
Keep that Furnace in Shape!
Furnaces can be a pricey replacement, and regular
maintenance can greatly extend the use and efficiency of one of the most
important appliances in your home! One
of the factors typically taken into consideration when purchasing a home is the
age and status of the furnace- However maintenance is just as important, if not
more so! On top of general use for you
and your family, it is a great idea to keep records for services performed on
your furnace if you decide to sell
your home in the future.
If you have a new furnace, it is still important to ensure
that the filters are clean, and that the furnace is operating at its best. Make sure you register your product with the
manufacturer, as many give a pretty wide window to ensure that furnaces are
registered for any manufacturer warranty programs. If it was just installed, chances are you
will be good for the season- however if it has sat the summer months, or is
even just a year or so old- it is a good idea to being your maintenance
program.
Many factors impact the performance of your heating source-
What type of furnace do you have? Gas, fuel oil or electric are the most
common. The type of furnace is dependent
on your location, the age of your home and the cost of commodities such as
natural gas and electricity. Many homes
that were built prior to city gas line installs may still have alternative
methods for heat- such as fuel or electric.
Although different, each type has its positives and negatives. Any local heating and cooling professional
will be able to service, inspect and recommend proper maintenance for each
type.
Establishing and keeping up with a routine maintenance plan
can pay off big in the long run- small issues due to blocked filters can add up
into high costs if the furnace abruptly stops working and you need to make an
emergency service call in the middle of the night, in the dead of winter! Furnace inspections are commonplace when purchasing
a home, and home ownership should be no different- replacement costs and
labor can be delayed for many years if proper care is taken.
Trying to DIY is a possibility, however if you are like me
and take one look at a maintenance checklist- Half of the terms are foreign,
and not to mention we are talking about working with electricity, fire, and
gas! In my opinion, this is a job best
left for the pros- Give
me a call for great local providers!
Clean Up Before You Heat Up: Air Ducts
Northeast Ohio weather is anything but predictable- We may
see 90?s before the Fall is over, and we may need to fire up the furnace
tomorrow in order to avoid seeing our own breathe in the kitchen! It is a good idea to be ready for the cold,
and part of that entails maintaining and servicing your heating system- and also
the ductwork that the heat and air travels through.
Throughout your home, the ductwork ensures air movement is
even- and dispersed when called upon.
Easily forgotten, the only trace of existence often being the small
vents found on the walls or floor.
Depending on the type of environment that is typical for your home,
various reasons arise to ensure that your ductwork is clean and functioning properly. The alternatives can get pretty nasty, so it
is something that is best handled on an annual or bi-yearly basis.
Some common issues, although in no particular order, that
can arise causing need for cleaning the ductwork in your home can range from
mold to mice, and everything in between.
Whether your home has a humidity problem or not- it is common that mold
and bacteria harbor and grow inside your ductwork. If you have mice or other small animals that
can gain access (they can be pretty crafty) they will sometimes become stuck
and permanently relocated (rotting) inside your ducts. In addition, general dust and dander, bugs
and irritants can be residing within your ductwork- only to be circulated
throughout your home each time you turn on your heating or air conditioning
unit.
Typically performed by a professional, duct cleaning can
range from around $100-$500 depending on the size and complexity of your home-
keep your eyes open for deals on sites like Groupon! The pros come equipped with all of the tools,
and a truck that does all of the work/cleaning.
Keep in mind this can be a little messy- although much of the debris and
dirt is sucked out, some can find its way blown into and around your home- it
is also a very loud process, so it may be necessary to temporarily relocate
children or pets. After cleaning, the
ductwork is sanitized, usually with a safe and environmentally friendly
product- no need to leave during or after its application. The entire process takes only a few hours,
depending on the size of the project- but the results are worth it!
Whether you have recently purchased and moved into your
home, or you?ve been there awhile- this is a great way to kick of the
closed-window season. Contact
me and I can provide you with trusted service providers in Northeast Ohio!
Friday Night Lights, Northeast Ohio
It?s
that time of year- bundle up and don your favorite local team colors, grab some
gloves, and head over to the stadium to watch live action football unfold right
under your nose! Our area is full of team spirit and the excitement of the
lights, games and fans is something that is not easily outdone.
Personally,
I enjoy seeing the community spirit- as well as watching friends and family
enjoy a tradition that has passed through the decades. Those that can remember, understand and
predict all of the statistics and player information get an entirely other
level of enjoyment of the games as well!
I am always mesmerized by fans that can recite facts and figures from
last week, last month and even last year(s)!
I prefer to visit local sites like Cleveland.com or Fox 8 if I need to find information or schedules- I can?t possibly keep track of all of my houses and be a HS Football
score buff, I simply don?t have the memory storage!
Keep
in mind as well, if you are new to a community, local sporting events can be
the perfect way to meet neighbors and new friends- If you have school-aged
children it is a great way to spend time together as a family, and also begin
to build relationships in your new community.
If you are unable to attend the games, there are typically events and
fundraisers that can be of huge importance to the teams as well, and another
great way to contribute and give back to your community.
This Summer Certainly Resembles Fall-like Weather!
There?s no denying it- Fall is in the air in Northeast Ohio,
even if the season is still a few weeks away!
With this in mind, now is a great time to start your seasonal prep as
the days will soon start to shorten and the Fall task list will be in all of
our minds.
Outdoors
Before the leaves start to fall take care to clean your
gutters and check out your roof- with all of the rainfall we have had this
summer it is a good idea to visually inspect for any issues! Clean out debris from your gutters, and check
to make sure no branches have caused damage to your home. Handling these items now can save a great
deal of headache as the weather changes and our roofs are put to the test for
yet another winter! Keep up on cleaning
your gutters out as leaves start to trickle down, as they will function
properly without obstacles in the way.
For your yard and landscaping, planning ahead can help avoid
dealing with your task list when it is buried under leaves! If you are moving any of your landscaping
arrangements, check for trusted gardening resources to pick the best time of
year for relocation. You can also find
great information on pruning and caring for various plants as well, to ensure great
growth the following Spring.
Organize your garage and storage sheds so that when it is
time to pack away plant pots and yard décor you have plenty of space and can
grab any necessary storage items like containers or tarps. Give your patio furniture a good cleaning,
even washing cushions and setting them out to dry while the weather is still
nice! This way next years set up will be
nice and easy, and you won?t have to take care of these things in a few months
when the temperatures start to drop.
Indoors
A great place to start inside is tending to your heating and
cooling system. Typically serviced a
couple times a year, schedule to have a professional come out and clean,
tune-up and replace any necessary elements for your HVAC systems and even your
hot water heaters. A normal hot water
heater will last for years as long as it is properly cared for, which includes
flushing out the entire system at least once a year. This allows for any debris that settled in
the bottom to be cleaned out, and your heater will operate more efficiently. For your HVAC, cleaning your air ducts will
ensure clean air is circulating through your home when it comes time to keep
the windows shut! This cuts down on dust
and other allergens, and also will likely lengthen the lifespan of your heating
and cooling units.
Planning and organizing for stowing away Summer items, and
retrieving Fall items, will help the transition between the seasons. Take inventory and donate any items no longer
needed, and drop off coats and Fall attire for dry cleaning if necessary. Many local businesses offer specials at the
end / beginning of the season! Retailers
also typically have great deals on storage bins and other related items, as
many are planning and shopping for the start of the college school year.
The Summer here in Northeast
Ohio has been a strange one, the temperatures are much more like our normal
Fall season, and the sun just doesn?t seem to want to stay around for
long! Beat the end of summer blues by
staying busy, and set yourself up for a stress-free Fall!
The Perfect Ending to Summer, Spend it on the Water!
One of the best assets that Northeast
Ohio has to offer is Lake Erie and all of the fun entertainment options
that accompany it! My plans for ending
this summer are to make the most of this beautiful natural resource, and I?ve
done some research I?d love to share.
Avoid the end of summer blues by packing your schedule with fun last
minute plans, and you won?t regret it!
In addition to dinner cruises and private events, the
Goodtime III also offers great options for entertainment and happy hour! From dance cruises, to the rush hour cruise-
The Goodtime?s version of happy hour -
costs only $15 per person- Running through the end of September.
The Nautica Queen Cleveland cruise ship has great themed
events for lunches and dinners, as well as private events and public daily
water tours. The Nautica has a great
setup for a fun evening on the water- DJ
and dance floor with a great selection of food served casually as buffet style.
On top of these two Cleveland treasures, we also have a host
of yacht clubs and beaches in this great place we call home! Events are different across the board- from
family-fun themed outings to a great date night or an evening with friends- the
schedules are packed with great things to end the summer months. Search your local city clubs or beaches,
event schedules are easy to find and can help you in packing in the most plans
possible for these next short weeks.
Summer is also a significantly busy time of year for the real
estate markets, with school starting and weather ideal for moving. keep your eyes out for new neighbors and help
them get settled and comfortable by sharing some of the things Cleveland has to
offer!
Real Estate Nightmare: Local Flooding!
In light of recent weather events in our area, many of us
woke up this past weekend to an awful scenario- It seems nobody escaped the
wrath of the rainfall, and I was no exception to the rule. The last few days have been quite hectic, but
in the essence of sharing and honestly, distraction, now is as good a time as
any to address water issues in a home!
Some homes undoubtedly have a higher occurrence rate, but in some
situations, such as this weekend- There is no way to predict or prepare for the
heavy rainfalls and flash flooding. Even
the most waterproofed basement in existence, in the most elevated area, was a
potential victim of the storm.
Unfortunately on top of the rainfall, city systems were unable to
function properly and contributed to the problems with backups all over the
area.
After sizing up the circumstances and damage at my own home,
I had little time to do anything but kick into immediate high gear- my basement
flooded and the water wasn?t going to clean itself up- However I needed to instantly
turn my attention to all of my clients and homes on the market! I began making the rounds, reaching out to
all of my current clients selling homes, especially properties that currently
are vacant. Driving around town to check
on homes- and take necessary corrective measures- made for an exhausting
day.
As an agent, especially if a client has already relocated at
a distance- the homes on the market are essentially your responsibility. Keeping them secured and also in situations
like this, clean- is an important part of my job! In addition, changing scheduled open houses
and showings to coordinate with cleanup schedules needs completed.
When searching
for a home, it?s a good idea to keep an eye out for the red flags that
accompany frequent water damage occurrences.
Basements will tend to have an odor if there has been water or mold
present, and signs will typically appear on walls and flooring if it is
occurring repeatedly, and not tended to.
Tile that comes up easily in a basement, or water marks on walls are
signs of water damage that hasn?t been properly
handled. This tells a potential buyer
that the water can get in, and more importantly that it wasn?t properly cleaned
up!
Another tool comes in a surprising form- your insurance
company! When looking at homes, it is
not a bad idea to call your insurance company and give them an address after you
submit a bid on a home. The insurance
company can compile a quote, but they also can see past claims- All of
them! This includes any call to the
insurance industry about the property- even if the caller decided to handle it
themselves, and not file a claim- the call is still on record.
For everyone affected by the recent water devastations in
our area, hang in there- It is never a pleasant scenario, but unfortunately it
can happen to any of us. Good luck in your cleanup efforts!
Deciding if Selling or Renting Out is your Best Option
When the time comes to relocate, or purchase a larger home,
two options exist: Sell
your current home, or rent it out. There
are many factors to consider before making a final decision, and this discussion
is a common topic during my initial consultations! Here are several factors to consider when
trying to make the decision.
This glimpse into all of the items that encompass the
decision to rent your home should be evaluated and then consulted with a trusted REALTOR. Once knowing that potential resale value of
your home, your decision may be to sell!
Fun (and not-so-fun) New Home Surprises
Whether a home is new or new to you- the changing seasons
can be accompanied by many new and exciting sites and occurrences as well as
some pesky ones! Here are some common
pros and cons to look for in your new home as time goes by.
Landscaping and Flowers: As you get settled and watch the
landscaping change with the summer months it can be exciting to watch plants
and flowers develop as time goes by.
Many are lucky and purchase homes with established landscaping, while
many homes require some landscaping
TLC. If you have a home with
landscaped areas it is a good idea to let a season go by before pulling and
either pitching or moving plants. Take
photos and keep track of the growth and flowering to decide if it?s a keeper,
needs relocated or just plain removed.
Keep an eye on deer and insect activity too to better help decide what
type of plants to choose in the future!
Some areas with high deer populations have a difficult time keeping
hostas or lilies in good shape as they tend to be an easy meal.
Bugs and Pests:
Perhaps disclosures should have a section including a description of
seasonal insect activity, but at this point it is pretty much trial and error
for all of us! Some homes are more apt
to have ant issues, or pesky moles and mice that can terrorize your new
abode. Keep an eye out for any bee nests
as well whether it be in near by trees, or in brick and stone facades. If necessary give the pros a call and have
the situation remediated, but it can also often be a DIY project too with all
of the tools and resources that are available at stores and online.
Air and Moisture: In
our area we can often run across issues with humidity or allergens in the air,
and when purchasing a new home it is another item that simply has to be learned
as time goes by. If your new home tends
to have high humidity it?s a good idea to circulate the air and even utilize a
de-humidifier to avoid condensation and any potential issues with moisture and
mold. Many central AC units can solve
the issue as well as they have built in de-humidifiers, and are also reducing
the humidity from the outside by having windows closed. For allergens and dust, ensure duct work and
filters for heating and AC units are clean and properly functioning- I?ve found a large difference between homes
with wood floors versus those with carpet-
using area rugs can be a large help to catch some of the dust and dander
instead of kicking it around and back into the air.
Purchasing a new
home is exciting, and although some issues may arise, remember to keep calm
and work through them! No home is
completely perfect, patience and great advice from your favorite Northeast Ohio
Agent can go a long way!
The 4th of July in Northeast Ohio!
Keeping up with tradition, I of course am all over the
events and attractions for the fourth of July holiday weekend! As of right now, the weather forecast isn?t
looking so great, however that could definitely change over the next few
days! If it doesn?t there are plenty of
other options to keep busy over the coming weekend.
Events
From fireworks displays to parades and fairs- the weekend
can be packed beginning to end with fun things in Northeast Ohio-
Fairport Mardi Gras Festival kicks off on Wednesday with the
parade at 7pm and fireworks will be on both the 5th and the 7th
at dusk. Kids Day, Senior Day, a 5K, and
even raffle prizes all pack the Mardi Gras event schedule- Visit their Facebook
page here!
Most cities are hosting their fireworks displays on the 4th
around dusk- Check your city for exact information- Willoughby, Mentor and
Wickliffe are each hosting at the same locations as years past!
On the 3rd Debonne Winery has tethered hot air
balloon rides from 6-8pm- A great attraction even if you don?t plan to
ride! The balloons look beautiful and
the wineries are always bustling with activity this time of year!
Rainy
Day Alternatives
If the weather doesn?t cooperate, or if you have some spare
time between outdoor activities- The 4th of July weekend is a great
weekend to shop sales on everything ranging from project necessities to
furniture, plants and appliances- and everything in between! Stores will typically host huge sales to kick
off Summer and get merchandise moving.
If you have had a big ticket item on your wishlist this weekend may be
the weekend to shop around! Area hotels
will also often offer discounts for an overnight stay, or package
specials- This could be a great
alternative in gloomy weather for a quick getaway!
General
Reminders
Trash and mail are delayed on the National holidays, and you
may need to reschedule any weekly visits from landscaping professionals! Even if they are open on the holiday, if you
are planning a party you may not want your pros there before or during your get
together!
Regardless of your plans, the Fourth of July weekend should
prove to be a fun, relaxing and exciting weekend all across Northeast Ohio!
It?s in the Mail: Ohio Real Estate Tax Bills
All across
Northeast Ohio homeowners are beginning to see their property tax bills arrive
in the mail. Here is a breakdown of
where the tax income goes, here is some great information presented by
Cleveland.com:
(From Cleveland.com ?Here is how an average
city tax bill of $2,213 per $100,000 of home value in the seven-county
Cleveland-Akron area is divided. Note: many cites are not part of JVS
districts, or are in counties without a community college, reducing the overall
averages shown above for those purposes.?)
As you see, the
majority of the income is going to the local school districts- which will not
only have a positive impact on education, but also on home values in the
area. We may all see taxes adversely
from time to time, but it is a necessary ?evil? and in the end leads to better
neighborhoods and cities, and ultimately better real estate markets!
Here are the tax
bill due dates by County:
In some
scenarios, taxes are paid directly through your mortgage company, rather than
to the county. If you are unsure contact
your mortgage lender! As always, if you have questions relating to Northeast
Ohio real estate, give me a call!
Why Now is the Time to BUY!
We?ve heard it all, buy now, buy low, buy high- After last
weeks? event for the Carnival of Choices seeing all of the resources available and
the recently released home sales statistics- I can tell you NOW is the
time to buy, here?s why!
Prices are trending up and time spent on the market is
trending down, it?s only a matter of time until the interest rates rise! If you plan to purchase a home or condo in
the near future, now may be a good time to begin to get your finances and plans in order and schedule the meetings
to get the ball rolling in order to take advantage of great interest rates and
lower home prices. Waiting to long may
result in higher interest rates than we?ve seen recently and also higher priced
homes. Factors
such as location, size, age and school districts can all factor in and ultimately
have an increase on higher home prices.
Northeast Ohio and the entire state of Ohio are seeing
RECORD numbers for home sales, ultimately resulting in more choices for buyers! In the last 23 month period, home sales and dollar
values were consistently on the rise.
The President of the Ohio Association of REALTORS was quoted as saying ?Attaining 23 consecutive months of gains
in sales activity is the longest stretch in uninterrupted growth in 16 years of
tracking Ohio home sales, and is a clear indicator of growing consumer
confidence and a renewed appreciation that housing is a solid, long-term
investment. ? The more that?s selling
mean the more willing potential sellers will be to make the move and put their
home on the market!
If you are a potential
seller the decision to sell now could avoid an influx of homes hitting the
market as the trends continue to climb.
The most important thing to do is research! See what homes are selling for in your area,
and consult a trusted agent to give you information on buyer pools
and predicted changes!
Northeast Ohio June Highlights
If you?re anything like me I am sure that the words ?I?m
Bored? are ringing through your home already- YES already! Even though school has been out for
single-digit days, it is an instant result of the structure-less summer. Whether you need something to entertain the
kiddos, or to get yourself out of the house for sanity, I am constantly looking
for the best to see and do in Cleveland and surrounding Northeast
Ohio cities.
Freshwater Cleveland
A great site consistently updating events and current local
information. Currently, Freshwater
is highlighting several Summer events-
The Solstice at
Cleveland Museum of Art, an
international music festival this Saturday, the 22nd! I recommended that anyone and everyone make
the trip to the CMA and this is a great reason!
Chamber Fest- A 10-day festival spanning from June 20th-30th,
featuring musicians that are currently staying with local families- and
actively participating in our local communities while they?re here! Visit the Chamber Fest
site for all of the event details and locations.
Garden Walk Cleveland- June 22nd and 23rd
takes us on a self-guided tour through several local neighborhoods, all
displaying outstanding gardens (OVER 200!) Take it all in or take away
inspiration for your own garden. This is
a great way for new homeowners in our area to see what plants will flourish in
the Northeast Ohio gardens!
Positively Cleveland
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroads- From today until September
1st, the CVSR Summer schedule is
in full swing with tours starting and ending at various depots- Great for visiting guests, or take the kids
along for an old fashioned train ride through the forest!
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Photo Safari- Generally reserved for adult
amateur-photographers, but whose to say the kids can?t snap a great photo! From April to November 1st the Zoo
hosts a photo contest- For your next
visit let the kiddos have some fun and photograph the animals!
The lists are
literally endless, 4th of July is right around the corner followed
by a packed Summer events calendar! Visit
my website for even information on our area?s historic
and cultural cities!
The Cleveland Museum of Art- 30 Minute Drive to Amazing!
This past weekend I went not once, but twice- To the
Cleveland Museum of Art, as I just couldn?t get it all done in a day! If you have not been to the Art Museum
recently, it is a must see trip to make.
Just a short drive from surrounding
Cleveland areas, the art museum has plenty to see and do for adults and
kids- and it is all FREE! Events and
exhibitions are on the Museum?s website- and I am definitely looking forward to
the Solstice music festival on June 22nd! Featuring music from across the globe, it is
truly a great event in our area.
In addition to the special events, the Museum also has
Family Day on the second Sunday of each month- Craft projects, complimentary
programs and more. The first Friday of
each month hosts themed Happy Hours- a great end to the work week! This June two new exhibits open as well, the Art of the Americas and Art of
North American Indians.
Cleveland is on the come back and this is the perfect
showcase example as to why- recently renovated and booming with activity- Our
Cleveland Museum of Art needs to be on your Summer to-do list! Upgrades to design and technology are
showcased throughout- My personal favorite tech upgrade were the touchscreens
throughout that offered downloads of information to iPads!
Use this gloomy weather as a motivator if you must, and
visit soon and visit often- we are lucky to have such an awesome feature in our
backyard! Check out the Cleveland Museum
of Art website here!
Carnival of Choices June 21st in Lake County!
Summer
Fun and Real Estate talk all rolled into one with The Coalition for Housing and
Support Services of Lake County hosting an event, Carnival
of Choices- on June 21st at Veterans Park in Painesville. I will be there to answer questions and offer
insight, in addition to other local businesses and service providers. The Coalition has been working since 2004 to
be able to provide funding for and information on housing related programs in
Lake County. The Carnival of Choices is
a fun, casual environment great for families and individuals looking for area
housing information.
The
event aims to educate and collaborate for the best in housing opportunities for
our area- providing information on safe and affordable housing as well as
loans, credit counseling information and additional related topics to best
promote what our area has to offer in the form of housing and housing
programs. The list of considerations is
endless when making the decision to buy a home, and this event will definitely
assist in eliminating unknowns and shedding light on a complex topic!
As
part of my business, each new client that I meet with is provided a full
summary of the buying and selling processes, as well as additional information
to best select an area in which to live.
This event elaborates and provides a forum for all questions to be asked
and answered, in order to relay all of the information that we have to offer! Buying a home can be an overwhelming, and
often intimidating process. It is my goal, and the goal of the
Carnival of Choices event participants, to be able to provide prospective
buyers the information and tools necessary to be able to achieve the goal of
purchasing a home.
On
June 21st from 11-3pm individuals and families can attend the event-
in addition to the housing related information, there will be complimentary games,
prizes and refreshments. This is a
great opportunity in a nice, relaxed environment to talk all things Lake County
Real Estate! Stop up and see me!
Memorial Day 2013!
The first Holiday of the summer season is finally here! If you aren?t to busy house hunting, check out these great
events in Northeast Ohio! Our area has
no shortage of fun- the beautiful lake parks, our wineries and festivals, the
list is endless! Here are a few of my
favorites, pick one or pick them all- Many span the entire weekend!
The Great American
Rib Cook-Off and Music Fest
An event spanning 20+ years in the Nautica Pavilion, food
and fun!
Greek Heritage
Festival in Tremont
Traditional Greek food and just south of Downtown.
The Mentor Memorial
Day Parade
Beginning at 9:30am from Heinen?s parking lot
Cedar Point
Offering free admission for active and retired military,
check out their site for information!
Whether you?re new in town, or just looking forward to a
long weekend to enjoy this gorgeous area we call home- there are plenty of attractions
and events to choose from! The
forecast calls for warm and sunny, be sure to keep plenty of sunscreen on hand
and water for your travels. The early
part of the season we often forget the basics!
Ensure no matter where your destination is, you plan a meeting spot in
instances of separation for your family- These early events can be slightly
chaotic for all of us that have been stuck inside for the long winter, and it?s
important to plan ahead.
Many of us take advantage of the long weekends as well to
knock items off of our project list- Whether you just moved, are planning to
sell, or simply collected to much over the winter- the extra day can be a great
way to plan family cleaning and organizing projects. Pack away the winter clothes and school
books, and celebrate the start the new Summer season ready and organized. Tackle one thing at a time, and be sure to
sneak some fun in for your and your family!
Don?t Cheat Yourself! Choose the RIGHT Agent
Whether you are buying for the first time, or selling for
the fifth- It is important that Clients understand that REALTORS
work for you, and not the other way around!
I always say ?I am never to busy for your referrals!? and I
know I am not the only one, however I can?t seem to understand when Clients
reach a point where they are chasing their REALTOR around, or trying to hunt
them down for help and answers.. Our
industry can be the best- freedom, flexibility and always rewarding- however it
can also be challenging at times too.
None of us are perfect, but I truly believe no purchase or sale is to
big or to small, and each deserves the best attention!
When purchasing
or selling a home, always meet with your agent to review all expectations,
questions and guidelines. It is
important that all parties involved are educated and able to understand- and most
importantly, know what to expect as each step approaches. Your agent is your advocate and liaison from
start to finish, and should be able to provide the time and efforts that you
need. Our understanding of your needs
and wants will ensure the entire process is as efficient, and ultimately
successful, as possible.
As professionals, we establish working relationships with
other Agents, and all of the other industry
players- from the banks, to the movers, insurance companies and everything
in between. Having an Agent that
understands the importance of building these relationships can play a critical
role in your transaction! Buying or
selling a home is one of the biggest changes that we make in life, and our area
is rich with resources and wonderful opportunity.
In our Keller Williams offices we have a great mentoring
program, and I firmly believe that anyone can learn the basics- the outline of
the basic information a REALTOR must know- but it truly takes dedicated pros to
master the ins and outs, and at the end of the day provide our Clients with
exactly what they need!
Roofing 101
In my years of experience, I have seen it all- and one of
the big factors that can stop a purchase
or sale is the condition of the roof.
A big budget expense, roofing is inspected, and often has an impact on
the sale itself, or the price of the home for sale. Roofing materials and labor can be costly-
and if not done properly the unfortunate issues will undoubtedly arise!
The roof is in place to ensure your home is protected from
the elements, but the space itself has to be able to breathe! The air between your ceilings and your roof
has to circulate- which is done so by ensuring proper ventilation and also
proper placement of insulation. If not
completed and regularly checked, issues with sitting moisture can lead to mold.
It is also important to ensure your vent for the bathroom
fans, and even dryer vents, are properly releasing- and not just into your
attic space! When properly done, these
will release the heat and moisture out of your attic space. It may also be
necessary to call in a mold remediation specialist, in order to have any mold
removed if it exists.
When purchasing
a home that has existing issues it is always a good idea to have them
thoroughly researched. Even the best
home inspectors will recommend that a roofing professional visits the home to
look. In some cases, it is even
necessary to call upon a mold remediation specialist as well for inspection.
As always, I am able to provide trusted
resources and years of experience to each situation, and would provide a
second set of eyes to the reality and urgency of the matter!
Summer Camp Time!
Longer days and warmer
weather is right around the corner! Our
kids will soon be finishing school for the year, and I will begin my search for
the perfect summer activities to keep them busy! Even with knowing the ins and outs of Northeast Ohio,
I still do countless hours of research each Spring to gather all of the
options.
Lucky for us, we have
everything from Sailing Camps to Horseback Riding, Sport Camps to Girl Scouts-
and absolutely everything in between!
Our area is rich with resources and organizations that provide numerous
options. The trick is being able to navigate
through, decide the type of camp and the type of structure that you need.
Organizations like the American Camp
Association and the National Camp
Association allow results to be narrowed based on specific criteria- but even a
simple search online
produces a long list of results! Our area has the YMCA and city camps as well,
where kids travel to local pools and attractions to fill their Summer days with
fun.
The internet also allows for
us to have a glimpse inside before ever even making the phone calls- Reviews,
itineraries, photos and past trips are often displayed to showcase the
experiences and events that each camp is known for. Planning a move, or new to the area? I would
love to share my knowledge of all things Northeast Ohio!
The Appraisal Bomb
Buying or Selling a home can be an
emotional and arduous process! In
addition, recent market changes have created a new and reappearing trend
regarding appraisal issues.
One report by the NAR gathered data and
estimates that roughly 35% of REALTORS have experienced an appraisal that
negatively impacted the transaction of buying or selling a home.
Who
should pay for the discrepancy between the transacted price, and the appraisal?
We have shifted in our Market, our properties are selling to quickly,
many within less than a weeks time on the market! With that, comparables
are hard to find from months ago- homes from 1 to 6 months back are not supporting
our new, increased
sales prices- and the gap between list price and sales price is nearly
gone.
In
our Sellers
Market today it all depends on the situation. Unfortunately, many Sellers
have to realize what they want for the house and what they need for the house
sale, are not always what the house will appraise for. If the house
doesn't appraise the bank cannot give a loan to a Buyer
on the amount that is higher than an appraisal.
If
the house is still to sell, who should make up the shortage? Sellers ? Buyers?
The answer today is negotiable. Out of my last 12 sales, 11 of the
appraisals came in short. Having the conversation upfront and realizing
this may be a hurdle to overcome in the transaction tends to help with the negotiations
and expectations later!
We all LOVE a Good Open House!
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Do not miss out on the opportunity to be a part of one of
the largest nationally recognized REALTOR events! This weekend, April 20th and 21st,
is the National Open House Weekend presented by the National Association of REALTORS.
Open houses are a huge resource for both Buyers and Sellers,
as well as for Agents to interact with clients and potential clients, all while
showcasing great homes in our area.
Open houses are a great opportunity for Buyers
to be able to look around, learn about the local area and see the most
important details that impact their decision.
REALTORS are available to answer questions on school systems,
neighborhood attractions and even the history of the homes! The NAR says 45%
percent of ALL buyers utilize open houses in their search for the perfect
place to call home.
For Sellers,
the National Open House Weekend is a great tool to generate buzz and attention
to their home, creating the perfect atmosphere for finding the right
buyer. Now is the perfect time with
Summer right around the corner, school years coming to an end, and nice weather
on our doorstep!
This weekend is even a great tool for interested parties,
who may plan to buy or sell in the near future- the resources that are provided
in the form of information, Q&A sessions and general process details- are a
great way to support the decision to buy or sell down the road as well.
Keep an eye out for those RED Keller Williams Wendy
Kunash signs all over Northeast Ohio!
