In medieval Europe, the corbels tucked under cornices and propping up porticos roofs were often grotesque, even scary, by design.  The history of corbels in America is far less macabre. They were often positioned at a 90-degree angle between porch posts and the ceiling overhead and were integral to the “gingerbread” millwork decorating Victorian-era facades in the later 19 century. ( What could be less threatening than details named for cookies?)  In Lakewood, we see many fine examples on the Queen Anne-style houses lining Grace, Cohasset, and Clarence Avenues.  These exterior corbels are also common on Craftsman bungalows built in the early 1900’s and are sprinkled throughout our community. The Craftsman corbel designs are far simpler than the Victorian era ones, possessing clean lines and sharp angles that emphasize strength over ornament.

The March 7, 1918 edition of the Lakewood Press saluted several enterprising men and Realty companies who were largely responsible for Lakewood’s significant growth. A.B. Smythe Realty Company, Fowler-Worman & Kelly, the Mars Wagar Realty Company, the Cleveland Trust Company, L.H. Heister, Jr., Oscar Kroehle, and Phil Marquard were named as those who were not just in business to make money on real estate investments, but who actually resided in Lakewood and were largely responsible for making Lakewood a beautiful city. Lakewood not only had paved streets and well-kept lawns, but “character homes” that “kept one guessing as to the type of home they like best”. The Press predicted that Lakewood would grow to a city of 100,000 because of “the energetic, wide-awake, patriotic men” in the business community and the “class of citizenship found here”.

On Saturday, March 13, LakewoodAlive will join with the real estate community to showcase homes for sale within a 10-minute walk of Lakewood’s revitalized downtown district. Residences for sale within a half-mile of downtown will be open for viewing from 1pm-5pm. Participating properties can be found at www.lakewoodopen.com beginning in mid-February.

Lakewood Real Estate Statistics

(According to Multiple Listing Service)

Will My House Sell?

If I had a crystal ball I could tell you the answer to that question, but I don't. However there are a few things you can do to make selling a reality.

First and foremost CLEAN. Walking into a really clean home is like a breath of fresh air when you are looking at ten plus homes. You need to not just sweep the floors and clean the cat box every day, but pay attention to the details such as light switch plates, door knobs, the storm door (as this is the first item any buyer will really look closely at), your kitchen, and bathroom.  Cleaning is an area you can control and it costs very little.

If you are a first time buyer thinking of buying your first home in Lakewood what a great time to buy!  Not only can you take advantage of the tax credit, you may also be eligible for Lakewood’s first time buyer down payment assistances program. The program offers a deferred payment, zero percent (0 %) interest second mortgage. The program offers $7,500.00 on condominiums, $10,000.00 dollar on single family home, and $14,000.00 on two family homes. The loan does not have to be paid back until you sell the property. Think about what that does for your purchasing power. For those first time buyers thinking of buying and living in a two family home the program offers an even greater incentive. Not only will you get the $14,000.00 dollar interest free second mortgage amount, but if you live in the home for at least ten years the loan is forgiven. You don’t have to pay it back! 

This is it. It’s here. The 2010 Spring Market has officially begun.

Winter Wonderland:

The land between Larchmont Avenue and Riverside Drive/W. Clifton Boulevard, between Madison and Detroit and overlooking the Rocky River valley – once known as the “Fries Estate” and later known as the “Nursery Farm” – was subdivided and offered for sale by The Cleveland Trust Company in 1916. Out of 200 lots, only three remained unsold two years later. Homes on Fries Avenue, highly desired because of their proximity to the Madison streetcar line, ranged in price from $6,000 to $7,500, and were, “built for the buyer who desires a home embodying all modern innovations in high grade home construction.” Each house was constructed from a separate set of plans, and had features and fixtures that met a buyer’s demand for durability, low maintenance expense, artistry, and, “enough originality to refrain from 'freakishness', plus convenience in every detail,” according to W.H. Troph, Fries Avenue homebuyer and realty manager for Cleveland Trust.

L.H. Heister, Jr. was an “allotment operator” or real estate developer in 1918 when Lakewood’s housing boom was in full swing. He subdivided the tract of land that he named “Sylvanhurst” (north of Lake Avenue between Summit Ave. and Lakewood Park), pricing the lots low enough for the ordinary citizen to build a home close to the lake. He went on to purchase acreage and sell nearly 400 lots that were springing up along the Madison streetcar line. Writing for the Lakewood Press in March of 1918, Mr. Heister shared his opinion of the young city: “I know of no section in or around Cleveland that has the wonderful opportunities to develop that Lakewood has.  Very low priced, but high class real estate, modern up-to-date and efficient schools and high schools--three street car lines one-half mile apart, progressive city officials who work harmoniously together, no better fire department or police department in the country.  The very best class of people on earth live in Lakewood.”

 Many buyers these days ask me if they should consider looking at distressed properties.  One in that category of properties is short sales.  I am often asked what they are.  It is not so much what they are but how you process through one … 

A short sale generally happens when a seller finds themselves in a position of "we have to sell".  It can be due to divorce, relocation, or other reasons.  With the reality of declining markets many sellers find themselves in a position do to true market conditions that they simply owe more than what their home is worth.  When this happens they find themselves negotiating with their mortgage holder or bank to see if they will take less than what the home is worth. 

Development in Lakewood, as haphazard as it may appear to someone visiting Lakewood for the first time (where else do you see a large Tudor next to a four-square colonial next to an Arts & Crafts bungalow next to a stately Victorian?) was, in fact, carefully planned. A 1918 zoning ordinance was passed to prevent the ruin of certain residential sections of Lakewood by those who proposed the construction of “unsightly, cheaply built, congestion-breeding apartment houses”. Another ordinance was passed in 1920 to restrict business and apartment buildings to Detroit and Madison Avenues, and manufacturing to the southeast corner of the city. Struggles between homeowners and developers continued, yet City Council members kept the beauty of the city in mind as they made those long-range planning decisions – decisions that gave Lakewood a unique look that residents still enjoy some 90 years later.

Art is everywhere… and home styles are just one more form to enjoy!  It’s been said that art imitates life, and the Victorian style certainly mirrors the time period named after Queen Victoria of England during the second half of the 1800’s. It was an age of change and paradox. The economy was booming, architectural detailing became more affordable because of mass production and there was a positive spirit. One of many cultural results was the Victorian design styles. 

Just compare the crazy mansion portrayed in the Addam’s Family TV show to the more simple lines in the painting “American Gothic”, plus all of the many variations in between! We’re lucky- there are some wonderful, even award-winning examples to see on Cook, Grace, Clarence, Hilliard (and others) in eclectic and lovely Lakewood. A quote from architect James B. Garrison, from the New York-based architecture firm RMJM, is a perfect summary. Garrison said that, “Despite their many differences, houses of the Victorian genre shared an optimistic spirit, manifested by complex rooflines, rambling front porches, detailed ornamentation, and asymmetrical layouts. These design idiosyncrasies appealed to a growing number of constituencies—developers trying to outdo one another with curb appeal, construction professionals showing off skills with emerging technologies, and home owners displaying new wealth and individuality.”  The designs of Victorian Homes are unquestionably unique, complex and even ‘rule-breaking’ - ignoring previous constraints.  It's a terrific reflection of the time in history that inspired a style we can enjoy in our neighborhood today.

Lakewood Real Estate Statistics(According to Multiple Listing Service)By Andy Tabor - Realtor, GRI - Prudential Lucien   

July 1 – July 31, 2009   Real Estate Statistics

Most first-time home buyers are likely aware of the opportunity provided to them by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. It authorizes a tax credit for the purchase of a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009, and before December 1, 2009. The tax credit that may be claimed is equal to 10 percent of the property purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000. A first-time home buyer is one who has not owned a principal residence for the three years prior to making a purchase. For married couples, both must be first-time buyers to qualify for the tax credit.

Clifton Park Celebrates AnniversaryVal Mechenbier In 1869, a group of men – including five real estate developers, two lake captains, a coal operator and a banker – signed articles of incorporation for the Clifton Park Association.  The Association promoted the area as a respite from the grit and grime of Cleveland. Visitors came to the resort via the Rocky River Railroad to enjoy boating and bathing activities, as well as picnic areas and beer gardens. Within five years, the Association began transforming Clifton Park into a residential area by subdividing the land into 80 irregular-sized lots. Many homes along Clifton Park’s curved streets became summer residences for wealthy Clevelanders, complete with servants’ quarters. Happy 140th Anniversary, Clifton Park!

As an active walker of our community, I cover  3-4 miles of city streets about 4 times a week.  There’s no better way to view our lovely neighborhoods, take in the beautiful flowers and landscaping and check out the latest home projects in progress.  You cannot soak up this atmosphere while flying by in your car.   Since early spring, as I’ve zig zagged my way along various routes, something became very clear…..I’m stepping aside of orange cones, hopping over yellow tape, or avoiding entirely those streets being repaved….and there are so darn many!.

Hello. I am happy to be here answering the many ponderings that arise during a real estate transaction. You may only buy one house during your lifetime,and certainly you arn't expected to know everything about the process, so I am happy to address any questions that may occur.

Single Family Sold     YTD                                     138

Rockport had plenty of do-it-yourself handymen in the early-to-mid 1800s, constructing simple structures that anchored the large farm parcels in the community. When a professional carpenter named Stephen Phelps arrived from New York in 1840, he quickly became one of the busiest and most popular men in Rockport because of his ability to build log cabins and frame houses. Mr. Phelps’ ornate home was built on a 60 acre parcel which included the current Phelps Avenue, and contained a cow path to a lakeside grazing area, later known as Kenilworth Avenue.

 

It’s not surprising that two of the most popular rooms for home makeovers are the kitchen and bathroom. When potential homebuyers are searching for homes, they generally are more attracted to homes with updated kitchens and baths. These same rooms rank high in return on remodeling investment at resale, according toRemodeling Magazine’s Cost-vs-Value 2008-09 Study.

However, both can be pricey ventures. According to the same study, the national average for minor kitchen remodel was $21,246. A sample remodel at this cost includes replacing cabinet fronts, flooring, laminate countertops and oven and cook-top; installing mid-priced sink and faucet, adding wall cover and repainting trim.

 

*EDITOR: PLEASE NOTE

“Will I pay more if I use a Buyer’s Agent when purchasing a home?”

What a great time to buy a home! Not only is it spring, the traditional buying time, but there’s such good inventory, low interest rates and the $8000 tax credit for first time buyers. And the simple answer to this common question is “No”- in the vast majority of cases a Buyer has no out of pocket cost for the services of Realtor when purchasing a home. 

  

  

*EDITORS- PLEASE NOTE AUTHOR'S NAME

Though submitted to the Observer by Maggie Fraley,

Lakewood Real Estate Information(According to Multiple Listing Service)By Andy Tabor - Realtor, GRI - Prudential Lucien    

February 2009

Month End Real Estate Statistics

  

Single Family Closed                                             15

“What does it mean when a house for sale is listed as ‘contingent’?”

That’s a frequently asked question because the term ‘contingent’ is sometimes confused with ‘pending’. Both are part of the sequence of a transaction. The sequence begins when a home is listed for sale and referred to as ‘active’. Later, when an offer is made and accepted by both the Buyer and Seller, it’s typically referred to as ‘contingent’ because the sale of the home is ‘contingent' on certain conditions being fulfilled within a specific time frame. Those conditions usually include the inspection and/or the buyer formally applying for a loan and securing financing. Next, ‘pending’ is when all of the contingencies have been removed –one more step forward toward closing. And, of course, the last in the sequence and the very best status description for both Buyers and Sellers is ‘SOLD’!

It’s not surprising that two of the most popular rooms for home makeovers are the kitchen and bathroom. When potential homebuyers are searching for homes, they generally are more attracted to homes with updated kitchens and baths. These same rooms rank high in return on remodeling investment at resale, according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost-vs-Value 2008-09 Study. 

However, both can be pricey ventures. According to the same study, the national average for minor kitchen remodel was $21,246. A sample remodel at this cost includes replacing cabinet fronts, flooring, laminate countertops and oven and cooktop; installing mid-priced sink and faucet, adding wall cover and repainting trim.

Did you know about the first Speeding Laws? When East Rockport became the Hamlet of Lakewood in 1889, it was a time in our history before cars were even on the roads. But, surprisingly, there was still a need for speeding laws. Riding or driving horses or any other animal was strictly governed by one of the first ordinances passed in Lakewood. It stated that it was unlawful for anyone to go faster than eight miles an hour! Reflecting… about such a very different time in Lakewood brings to mind that Spring is coming soon with community activities like 5 and 10K races …It’s amusing to realize that the runners and power walkers filling our streets, will be ‘breaking that law’!

Lakewood Real Estate Information(According to Multiple Listing Service)By Andy Tabor - Realtor, GRI - Prudential Lucien    

January 2009 Month End Real Estate Statistics

Don't be fooled ... it's NOT time to put away the snowblowers and shovels as there are plenty of lake effect flakes still to fall. But, it is March and the downside of wintery weather. The days are a bit longer, the birds are
chirping louder, the Indians home opener is sold out.... and I'm wondering what color to paint the bedroom.

Our thoughts turn to Spring...but wait...not just yet. Tidying up after Old Man Winter is an important chore, especially if your home has languished on the market through these cold and windy months.

Buyers are looking TODAY! Phones are ringing in real estate offices. Listings are being shown. Open Houses get attendees. Offers are being written. The Spring Market has begun. Is your home ready? Clean and tidy is the rule, inside and out. As the snow melts, every pop bottle, plastic bag and candy wrapper on the tree lawn and at the base of the shrubs, calls out for removal. A quick rake up is in order.

The front door and the porch may not be ready for floral cushions and Boston ferns but they're still the 'welcome wagon' to your home and the all important first impression. Gather the old newspapers and ads, sweep off the crud and straighten the doormat (or get a new one). Once inside the front door, give a look to the floor first. Have you provided a rug for wiping shoes and boots?...perhaps a chair to sit in during removal? Whether you have a rug or not, this sloppy weather will undoubtedly leave many footprints throughout the house. Keep a broom and mop handy in the kitchen as well as Windex and some paper towels. The Open House agent will tidy a bit and wipe the faucets to a sparkling shine, but don't expect the floors to be scrubbed or the appliances to be wiped down... (it is still your home and your responsibility).

Taking care of these little chores, will show prospective buyers that this home has been cared for and encourage them to envision their pictures on the mantle, their pots on the stove and their children or pets playing in the
back yard.

“What should I leave for the new owners after selling my home?”

Generation Y, those born between 1978 and 1994, are starting to buy homes, and they have requirements that are very specific. Not only do they search for and often find their homes on the internet, this tech-savvy age group wants homes that are wired with the fastest connections, homes that are environmentally friendly, and homes that satisfy their desire for privacy and personal space.

“Why should I get a prequalification letter from my lender before seriously looking at a home to purchase?” The good inventory, very low interest rates and the new $7500 tax credit really make this an advantageous time to buy a home. Perhaps you’ve casually looked at Open Houses or homes for sale online. When you start to consider your housing options more seriously by using the professional services of a realtor, you’ll probably be asked to get a preapproval from your lender...

Lakewood is a visually interesting and attractive place to live because of the architectural diversity of its residences. A short walk around town will likely take the careful observer past examples of the Arts & Crafts (Craftsman) Bungalow, Queen Anne, Spanish Colonial Revival, French Provincial, Greek Revival, Victorian, Tudor Revival, and Dutch Colonial styles. One might also see the occasional Cape Cod and Ranch home, and will certainly notice the ubiquitous American Foursquare. A less common yet highly recognizable architectural style found in Lakewood is the Italian Renaissance style...

Feng shui is an ancient Chinese philosophy that uses design to enhance the harmony and energy in a home. According to those who follow these principles, rearranging furnishings, adding plants, mirrors or other accessories or introducing specific colors and materials into a room, increases the “chi” or positive energy in that space...

Like cities across the country, Lakewood was not spared the impact of the Great Depression. Workers were laid off, wages and hours were cut, and homeowners faced the possibility of foreclosure. City government reported a 24% decline in tax collections in 1930. Real estate values plummeted, city workers accepted pay cuts, and churches took up collections to feed Lakewood’s increasingly numerous hungry...

In this market, buying bank-owned really isn’t a bad way to go but it is a different process from the norm and in most cases you have to be ready for a project. When attempting to purchase a bank owned property, the offer is written with your realtor on a purchase agreement and it is then submitted to the bank. But once the offer is accepted the bank sends their own addendums. These addendums supercede the terms in the original agreement. It is for this reason buyers should pay close attention to what is written in the banks addendums. If you don’t understand them ask an attorney to interpret them...

Recently I’ve had a number of clients, friends, and acquaintances ask for clarification about the foreclosure market. Realtor Randy Newell from Prudential Lucien Realty adds his experienced insight to this article as I’ve tried to summarize a complex subject...

Most people think of Urban Sprawl, the spreading of a city to outlying areas, as a post-World War II phenomenon. A Clevelander’s desire to live “in the country” (in the 1950’s, that would have been Parma) was made easy by the availability and affordability of the automobile. Sprawl has continued ever since, facilitated by highway systems that provide fast and easy commutes to the city...

"What's an energy audit?"

With so much attention focused on “being green”, energy audits are becoming more common. They're a good way to know how to reduce our carbon footprint and simultaneously save money in monthly utility bills. The audits take 2-3 hours and are conducted by independent, professional, and certified third-party companies for the purposes of identifying and remedying major energy leaks in houses. Contact your utility company or realtor for more details...