Real Estate

The Year In Review: Multi-Family Properties In 2012

Part 3 in our three-part series will take a look at the sale of Multi-Family properties in 2012. We will define “multi-family” as legal 2- and 3-family dwellings. Currently there are 63 properties for sale. The average listing price is $120,500 and the average time on the market is 212 days.

In 2012, a total of 105 Multi-Family properties sold. The average sales price was $82,900, fetching about 93% of list price. It took an average of 163 days to sell. Compare this to the benchmark years of 2005 & 2006. In 2005 there were a total of 129 sales, with an average sales price of $145,700. Market time was about 100 days. In 2006 the total number of sales dropped to 119, with an average sales price of $141,300. Average market time was still about 100 days to sell. 

By 2007 the number of sales dropped below 100 units, and the average sales price plummeted to an average of $114,000. The Multi-Family market took another hit in 2008 with the average sales pricing dropping to $86,500. Multi-Family properties hit bottom in 2009. Although the number of sales once again broke 100 units (115), the average sales price dropped again, to $75,300. 

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Volume 9, Issue 6, Posted 9:12 PM, 03.19.2013

Abode Announces Phase Two At Clifton Pointe

All 17 townhomes in the first phase at Clifton pointe were sold before construction had even begun.

Developer Andrew Brickman of Abode, Modern Lifestyle Developers recently finalized the sale of the last of seventeen residences of Phase One at Clifton Pointe, Lakewood's newest eco-friendly townhome community. 

"My family and I have commented a few times about how we never thought we would be able to find the type of home you are building. It has definitely made us more content to keep Cleveland as our primary residence. Keeping people in the Cleveland area is not  an easy feat but Clifton Pointe has done that for us," comments Toni Donaghue, Phase One, Clifton Pointe resident.


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Volume 9, Issue 5, Posted 9:44 PM, 03.05.2013

Sell My Lakewood Home Now?

Sell My Lakewood Home Now?

“Why should I sell my house now?” That is a question we Realtors have been facing the past few years with frequency, and until recently, other than having to relocate or if the family is bursting the seams of our current home, there have been few honest and reliable answers. This year that situation is starting to change. Now you can command a decent market price, sell quickly, and under the correct circumstances, expect multiple offers. Market conditions in Lakewood have changed considerably in the past 12 months and now might be the time to consider selling your home.

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Volume 9, Issue 5, Posted 9:45 PM, 03.05.2013

2012 Real Estate Review: Part 2, Condos

Part 2 of our series will take a look at the State of the Market for Lakewood Condos.

Last year there were a total of 110 sales of Condos in Lakewood. This is the highest amount since 2006 when 127 condos were sold. 

The average sale in 2012 was a 2 bedroom, bath and a half condo with 1100 square feet selling for $74,400. They were listed for an average of $86,300 and took about 200 days to sell. Looking at the benchmark year of 2006, the average condo sold was a 2 bedroom, 1 bath unit with 1000 square feet. It was listed for nearly $95,000 and sold for $89,000. Market time averaged 160 days.

The lowest priced sale in 2012 was $12,000 for a 1 bedroom, 1 bath 560 square foot condo in the Kirtland House on Warren. The highest sale price was $240,000 for a 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1800 square foot condo in the Winton Place.  Needless to say it had the most amazing views of the downtown skyline and the lake!

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Volume 9, Issue 4, Posted 9:31 PM, 02.19.2013

2012 Real Estate Review: Part 1, Single Family Homes

2012 was a year of ups and downs for real estate in Lakewood. Part 1 of this series will take a look at the State of the Market for Single Family Homes.

Last year there were a total of 395 sales for Single Family Homes. This is the highest amount since 2006 when 395 homes also sold. The peak was in 2005 when 428 homes were sold in Lakewood.

The average sale in 2012 was a 3 bedroom home with 1.97 baths averaging 1,742 square feet. It was listed for $134,144, sold for nearly 95% of list price at $127,180, and took an average of 121 days to sell.

At the peak of the market in 2005 the average home sold was a 3 bedroom, 1.86 bath home averaging 1,692 square feet.  It was listed for $178,160 and sold for 96% of list price at $171,678 in an average of 90 days.

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Volume 9, Issue 1, Posted 9:24 PM, 01.08.2013

Fall Turns To Winter Which Turns To Spring

So we have reached that point in the real estate market where everything seems to be on hold. The old stale listings are still here, either over priced or in poor condition. Everyone has seen them and they are waiting for fresh new houses to hit the market. This year seems particularly stale because a good home, intelligently priced, has sold very quickly with a price at, near, or above asking price. Those who did not get the homes are waiting, waiting, waiting...

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Volume 8, Issue 24, Posted 1:17 PM, 11.28.2012

Wrapping Up Your Home For The Holidays

In the movie “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” Clark Griswold may have gone a little overboard with his Christmas lights, but if he was selling his house, he may have had the right idea.

“Great decorations really set the tone for the holidays, a time when you can showcase your house in a different way to highlight areas that normally may not stand out,” said Amy Cornwell, President/ Lead Designer for Creative Impressions, which specializes in seasonal decorating.

By creating a festive atmosphere, a home seller allows perspective buyers to envision what their holidays will be like in the property—complete with a beautiful tree, stockings hung from the fireplace mantels and the smell of Christmas cookies in the air.

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Volume 8, Issue 24, Posted 1:17 PM, 11.28.2012

The Pros & Cons Of Home Selling During The Holidays

One of the great debates in real estate concerns the prospect of keeping a house on the market during the holiday season. Some argue that the time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve is busy enough without the worry of buying a home, while proponents like the prospects since those shopping are generally more serious about buying.

A downside for the seller is that the hectic time of year makes it harder to get your home ready at the drop of a hat if a call comes in. People are busy making food, wrapping presents and preparing for a houseful of guests. However, your house will also be decorated with beautiful lights and decorations and will create a festive elegance to a home that will attract buyers.

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Volume 8, Issue 22, Posted 1:55 PM, 11.01.2012

Lakewood Real Estate, the First Nine Months of 2012

I bet everyone is getting pretty tired of all the political ads that are dominating TV and radio advertising. And our local professional sports teams aren't the most rewarding diversion from our daily routines. So maybe, I thought, some people might be interested in how the real estate market is doing in Lakewood lately.

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Volume 8, Issue 21, Posted 5:44 PM, 10.16.2012

Home Not Selling? It's Not Personal, It's Probably Price

Home sellers face a new reality as they look to move up, down, in or out of their American dream in today’s market. Consumers, particularly those who purchased their homes within the last five years, often find their options limited by a lack of equity. Those who can sell are sometimes numbed by deflated home prices and find it difficult to justify yesterday’s valuations with today’s reality.

Many home sellers have dug in on price hoping to lose no additional ground. Others seem to have taken this market personally, letting emotions override analysis when setting price. Buyer sentiment has shifted as well, centered on maximum value with abundant amenities – resulting in stalemates and homes languishing on the market. Both sides should be realistic as comparable sales and local-market dynamics still determine fair-market value.

 
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Volume 8, Issue 20, Posted 8:58 PM, 10.02.2012

So Maybe It's Time To Sell Your Lakewood Home?

This has been a long time coming but maybe it’s time to list your home in Lakewood. Statistics show it is a wonderful time to list a home. As of 9/13/12 there are currently 132 active single-family homes on the market. There are a total of 71 under contract which means the in the next month or so 71 more homes will be sold. Over the past 6 months 222 single-family homes have sold which is 37 per month selling.

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Volume 8, Issue 19, Posted 8:33 PM, 09.18.2012

Selling In Colder Months

While the warmer months are generally regarded as the time for home sellers to get their property ready for sale, marketing the home in winter and early spring is just as important. Homebuyers are out looking for homes 12 months a year and there’s no reason to drop the ball on sprucing up a home November through February.

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Volume 8, Issue 19, Posted 8:33 PM, 09.18.2012

Make Your Offer Stand Out

Real estate consumers are realizing that there has rarely been a better time to buy a home. In fact, historically low mortgage rates coupled with lower home prices have even sparked bidding competition in markets around the country.

Real estate consumers are realizing that there has rarely been a better time to buy a home. In fact, historically low mortgage rates coupled with lower home prices have even sparked bidding competition in markets around the country.

A good home in a solid location may attract ample attention only hours after being listed. Home buyers can make their offers stand out from the rest through one or more of the following strategies:       

Price. Obviously, price tends to be the primary consideration for sellers. When you’re competing for a home, to get an edge, think about adding a clause stating that you will beat the highest offer by “x” dollars up to “x” amount. Cash offers can be more attractive to sellers as well. Although sellers will receive their money at closing whether buyers pay with cash or take out a loan, cash offers don’t require lender approval.

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Volume 8, Issue 18, Posted 9:58 PM, 09.05.2012

What's My Home Worth?

I was getting ready to submit an article titled "Researching the Perfect Neighborhood" when I received my 12th call in six days asking, "Hey Chris, I just received my 2012 Proposed Value Notice from the County. Can you help me?"

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Volume 8, Issue 17, Posted 11:00 PM, 08.21.2012

Get The Facts Make A Plan

Do you want to buy a house, but you’re scared of the commitment? There may be many reasons why people are afraid of making a commitment to home ownership, but in my experience it is usually the money. Buyers will look at houses on line some will even go driving around looking at homes being held open on Sunday afternoon. They will stay up at night calculating and recalculating how many lunches they will have to pack instead of going out with the gang.

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Volume 8, Issue 17, Posted 11:00 PM, 08.21.2012

First Time Home Buyers; Now Is Your Time To Dive In

Interest rates are now on your side. It’s time to stop renting and start putting all that hard earned money of yours into something of your own. However, this can be a complex transition. Here are some steps to help make sure this transition is as smooth as possible.

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Volume 8, Issue 16, Posted 10:20 PM, 08.07.2012

Sellers: Itemize What You’re Taking With You

Believe it or not, after months of searching countless homes, finding the perfect one, negotiating price and finally agreeing to a deal, a sale can fall apart over a disagreement about curtains.

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Volume 8, Issue 16, Posted 10:20 PM, 08.07.2012

Working Kitchens Catch the Eye of Aspiring Chefs

It’s astonishing how many people believe they are the next Mario Batali and have taken to the kitchen in a serious way.

Ratings for cooking shows are at an all-time high as viewers are enamored with the idea of being culinary masters. Home sellers are upgrading to professional-style kitchens to capitalize on the craze, and their investments are paying off in more potential buyers and attractive returns when their homes sell.

 
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Volume 8, Issue 15, Posted 10:49 PM, 07.24.2012

Mid-Year Real Estate Review: How's Lakewood Doing?

The July 4th holiday means one thing: we are half-way there! And this means that we also have completed the ever-important spring real estate season in NE Ohio. So how’s Lakewood doing so far in 2012? 

First, let’s talk inventory. Currently there are 157 Single Family Homes for sale in Lakewood, excluding any For Sale By Owners. The average home for sale is just under 1,700 square feet, has been on the market for 156 days, was originally listed for $156,900 and has been reduced to $150,000. The median list price is $120,000, with the highest priced home at $849,000 and the lowest at $33,300.

 
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Volume 8, Issue 14, Posted 10:02 PM, 07.10.2012

Don't Drench Your Home Sale By Ignoring Plumbing Issues

A plumbing checkup should be among your top priorities when preparing your home for sale. Your buying prospects might flush toilets, turns on faucets and inspect the showerheads, while more seasoned “experts” will look under the cabinets for leaks and check for water spots around key areas. The last thing you want is to drench a buyer’s enthusiasm because you didn’t fix a simple plumbing issue.

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Volume 8, Issue 13, Posted 11:38 PM, 06.26.2012

Hey Vern It's Earnest Money

It’s all very exciting to go look at homes with all your lists and desires and hopes. Sitting down to write an offer is a triply exciting moment because there is a new home in sight and soon it may be yours. Then you sit down and confront five to six pages of words strung together in ways that seem daunting and maybe even incomprehensible which are constructed to give protection to buyers, sellers, brokers, and agents and to become instructions to all parties should the offer be accepted and these pages become a contract.

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Volume 8, Issue 13, Posted 11:38 PM, 06.26.2012

The Smell of Success

Home sellers do everything they can to make their house look as beautiful as possible, but appealing to home buyers’ other senses can be just as important, especially when it comes to the sense of smell.

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Volume 8, Issue 10, Posted 9:26 PM, 05.15.2012

Spring Is Here, Now What?

Spring is already here and it has started with a lot of real estate activity. As of April 23rd there were approximately 288 single-family and 86 multi-family homes for sale in Lakewood. This is a large number of properties for sale in a city with a very compact footprint. Also, interest rates have now started to move back up the scale. The large amount of available real estate inventory coupled with the increasing cost of borrowing money will create a highly competitive housing market. This combination of factors presents some very specific challenges to successfully marketing a home for a quick sale at a good price for the homeowner.

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Volume 8, Issue 9, Posted 9:55 PM, 05.01.2012

Why Put money In Your Landlord’s Pocket When Homeownership Is Within Reach?

Homeownership is in reach now more than ever, especially for first time homebuyers. Interest rates are extremely low and most people can purchase a home and have a monthly payment similar to a rent payment. As an added bonus, interest, property taxes and mortgage insurance are all tax deductible. Plus, you are your own landlord. There are no leases to sign so you can stay as long as you please!

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Volume 8, Issue 7, Posted 9:57 PM, 04.03.2012

Bank Walkaways

At a press conference on January 3, 2012 Senator Brown, Former Cuyahoga County Treasurer Jim Rokakis, and others presented a serious problem facing our communities. Not only are banks foreclosing on families, they are in many cases then walking away from the foreclosure process they started. When this happens, the homeowner is left thinking that they no longer own the property when in fact, they do.

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Volume 8, Issue 6, Posted 9:13 PM, 03.20.2012

Team Lakewood’s First Annual Chili Cookoff

Our Howard Hanna Team Lakewood is asking for your help and your attendance to judge the many versions of our agent’s home-made Chili! What a wonderful opportunity in the middle of February to taste and see what you like AND support this charity. Many Lakewood residents and businesses came out in December to support the Annual Children’s Free Care Fund Event at the Carlyle, and we had our most successful event ever. This year we are starting early! Please come with your family and friends to the Howard Hanna office right here in Lakewood!

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Volume 8, Issue 2, Posted 8:09 PM, 01.24.2012

Green Benefits For Your Home

The U.S. Green Business Council recently reported that single-family homes are responsible for a little over 20% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. By living in a green home, people can help reduce these causes of climate change, and studies show that more homebuyers are looking to purchase homes that have eco-friendly features.

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Volume 8, Issue 2, Posted 8:09 PM, 01.24.2012

Real Estate Reality: "I Ams What I Ams"

I have a dirty secret. My fall back television show is House Hunters. When there is absolutely nothing on and I cannot pry my butt off the sofa I will watch the show. Actually I will watch the last five minutes of the show and guess which home they choose. I’m pretty good at this, (Hint, go with the house the woman likes because, statistically speaking, she is the decision maker in such matters), and ninety percent of the time I am correct. I have noticed a trend over the last few years. At the end of the show they show the happy new owners in their new home. I really liked seeing what the new owners had done to make the house their home. Recently what we see is very little has been done to the home. The new owners have just moved their stuff into the home and that is that. Last evening I saw a show where the new owners were so happy because they had purchased the entire contents of the home they chose as well as the home. This is baffling to me. Why would someone want to live in a home that is a reflection of someone else? Why don’t they want to make a house a home?

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Volume 7, Issue 23, Posted 4:43 PM, 11.15.2011

Is It Worth The Cost?

A stressful part of putting your home on the market is trying to figure out what to fix and upgrade to get the very best price. An experienced agent will recommend projects to consider and ones to avoid. After all, just because you put money into a renovation project doesn’t mean you will recoup the money in a sale.

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Volume 7, Issue 23, Posted 4:43 PM, 11.15.2011

More Than Raking Leaves

After being under water for all of September we have been basking in the late summer early fall warm and sunny weather and this may be a distraction from needed maintenance on your home in preparing for the coming cold season. There are several things you should attend to that will ensure a warm, safe and dry winter.

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Volume 7, Issue 21, Posted 7:12 PM, 10.19.2011

It's A Buyers' Market for Real Estate Investors, Too

Turn on any financial news program and at some point you’ll hear the experts extolling the virtues of diversification. Real estate, even through the market downturn, has long been considered a conservative, long-term strategy to growing wealth.

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Volume 7, Issue 21, Posted 7:12 PM, 10.19.2011

Single Family Home Sales In The First 8 Months

The chill is in the air. Vacations are over and the kids are back in school. Most everyone is back to work. So how is the Real Estate market doing in Lakewood?

At the end of the first 8 months, there were 211 single family homes sold in Lakewood at a median price of $112,200. Comparitively, in the first 8 months of 2010, there were 239 homes sold with a median price of $115,000. Prices have fallen roughly 2.5% and the number of sales down roughly 12%. In 2010, the year ended with 322 homes sold at a median price of $113,750.

 

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Volume 7, Issue 19, Posted 8:27 AM, 09.21.2011

Lakewood: A City For Everyone

Lakewood is one of the most captivating cities to sell real estate because of the variety of housing options. The market ranges from $20,000 studio condo to a $2,000,000 house on the lake. Each home has its own character with gorgeous woodwork, doorways, archways, and built-ins. About 229 homes have sold from January 2011 through the end of July 2011 making Lakewood one of the most active markets on the west side. There are opportunities for first time home buyers, move-up buyers and investors to purchase homes throughout the city so there is no need to look anywhere else. 

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Volume 7, Issue 18, Posted 10:48 AM, 09.07.2011

Floor The Competition

When people enter your home they usually look down before up, so that first step is vital for attracting a homebuyer and making a great first impression. This is one reason why more people are installing hardwood floors in their homes. 

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Volume 7, Issue 17, Posted 8:32 AM, 08.24.2011

City Programs

The city of Lakewood has a first time home buyer down payment assistance program which offers first time home buyers down payment assistance dollars. In addition to the down payment assistance program the city is offering a low interest loan program. This program was created through government funding for neighborhood stabilization. The city is able to buy vacant homes in Lakewood, rehab the homes, and then sell them through a low interest program to people looking to purchase a beautifully restored home in Lakewood.

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Volume 7, Issue 17, Posted 8:32 AM, 08.24.2011

Cleveland Assist-2-Sell Office Now Open Now Open

On May 31, 2011, Jody Conner opened an Assist-2-Sell® franchise office in the Cleveland area.  The new office provides full-service real estate to homeowners while saving them thousands of dollars in commission.  The office can be reached by calling (440) 773-4880 or by e-mailing jconner@assist2sell.com.

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Volume 7, Issue 16, Posted 1:16 PM, 08.09.2011

Real Living

According to Americans for the Arts, nationwide the arts generate $166.2 Billion in total economic activity annually. This includes over 5.7 million jobs, $104.2 billion in household income, $7.9 billion in Local Tax revenues, $9.1 billion in State Tax Revenues, and $12.6 billion in Federal Tax Revenues annually. Think about that when you peruse the prints, ceramics, spoon rings, and yes, the personalized hand painted shower curtains at the next Lakewood Arts Festival. The arts are now being touted as the economic engine that can revive dying cities, a powerful tool that impacts not only your local professional theatre or art gallery, but also the food and beverage industry, the retail industry, and finally, the Real Estate Industry.

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Volume 7, Issue 15, Posted 7:38 AM, 07.27.2011

Let The Rehab Begin

Have you heard that there are great deals on houses in Lakewood right now? Well there are, but along with that deal can come a good amount of fixing up that needs to be done. There are fifty six single family homes available in Lakewood under $100,000.00. However, if you are not a handy man or you don’t have the extra money or time it takes to do all the fixing up a good deal may not be such a good deal. What if there was a way to get a contractor to do all of the fixing up? And, what if you could get it all done within a few months time? 

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Volume 7, Issue 13, Posted 8:02 AM, 06.29.2011

Wiggle Wiggle

“It’s a buyer’s market." Everyone knows this. So goes the thoughts of everyone listing their home for sale. “Buyers will low ball me and I have to build wiggle room into my price so I don’t get taken to the cleaners.“ This makes sense at first glance. If I am to arrive at a fair market price I have to give myself some money to give away. However, when you look at the numbers, this is not the case; in fact you may be doing yourself more harm than good.

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Volume 7, Issue 13, Posted 8:02 AM, 06.29.2011

First Quarter Single Family Home Sales

It feels good to be home again. I grew up in Lakewood and bought my first home here. When the kids were gone, I moved to a ranch in Avon Lake. Now fate has brought me home again to Lakewood. You know the feeling when you return home from a trip or vacation and you sleep in your own bed for the first time in a while? There's no better sleep than that! But we have some good news that should help us all sleep better in Lakewood.

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Volume 7, Issue 10, Posted 10:37 PM, 05.17.2011

Down Payment Assistance

If you haven’t owned a home in the last three years you are considered a first time home buyer. If you are a first time home buyer contemplating a home purchase in Lakewood you may want to consider the City of Lakewood’s first time buyers down payment assistance program. This city program provides $10,000.00 of down payment assistance on a single family home and $14,000.00 down payment assistance on a two family home. There are specific criteria for the buyer and seller to meet but it is absolutely worth checking into. First Federal of Lakewood offers this loan program and can answer any questions you may have. They will also be able to assess each person’s individual qualifications and evaluate participants in the program.

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Volume 7, Issue 10, Posted 10:37 PM, 05.17.2011

Attorneys Dann & Douglass To File Suit For The Continual Filing Of Frivolous Foreclosures

Several wronged homeowners have come together with the help of attorneys Marc Dann and James Douglass in order to file a class action lawsuit against law firm Lerner, Sampson & Rothfuss (LS&R). The suit alleges that LS&R routinely files un-provable foreclosure suits through the use of manufactured and incomplete documentation. The case was filed on January 4, 2011.

Tamara and Phillip Turner and two other plaintiffs all had foreclosure suits filed against them by LS&R. On behalf of various clients, the suits were dismissed after the court found LS&R’s clients did not have standing to file the suits.  Despite the final victories, the Turners and two other plaintiffs all were forced to hire lawyers to defend themselves, incurring substantial legal fees. The plaintiffs and others who were sued by LS&R, representing lenders, also suffered significant emotional distress, and at least one formally moved out of their home even though the foreclosure complaints were eventually dismissed.

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Volume 7, Issue 1, Posted 9:06 AM, 01.12.2011

Homebuyers Find a Niche in Lakewood

First time “old house” homebuyers are often overheard asking “What’s this?” when touring homes for sale in Lakewood. Between 1910 and 1940, buyers of Sears mass-produced kit houses pored over Sears catalogs to customize their houses to suit their own tastes. There were numerous options in flooring, trim, doors, lighting, and hardware, but the housewife often chose the most functional items: breakfast nooks, arch-topped telephone niches, and – “What’s this?” – the ultra-convenient built-in ironing board cabinet. Without an ironing board, these shallow niches now provide convenient storage or display space.

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Volume 6, Issue 22, Posted 8:20 AM, 11.04.2010

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

It’s that time of year the tinsel, lights, gifts and holiday parties so instead of tensing up as you read this embrace it by reclaiming what the holidays are all about. Holidays have lost their true meaning over the years and in the age we live today it’s time to get back to a simpler way of life. Instead of running to the mall to begin your holiday season take some time to plan a family outing that will create memories to last a lifetime. Take advantage of the community that Newsweek called “the best place to raise your children” a place clevelandnites voted as the “best suburb to raise children”.This Holiday season take advantage of all Lakewood has to offer. 

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Volume 6, Issue 22, Posted 8:20 AM, 11.04.2010

Real Estate Reality

Pardon My Dust.
Tuesday is the day Realtors hold broker’s open house. This is when new listings are held open for real
estate agents to preview newly listed homes and see what’s new on the market. And, on a recent
Tuesday, I went out and previewed five homes and I returned from my travels sorely depressed. Every
home that I had seen was gross. I mean that. Dirty, as in tumbleweeds of cat fur rolling through the
kitchen, as in science experiments growing in the bathroom, as in dog footprints on the walls, furniture,
appliances, and every conceivable surface, as in light switches I would never touch, (please keep in mind
I am a former chef and am not afraid to touch anything), as in what are these people thinking!

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Volume 6, Issue 22, Posted 8:20 AM, 11.04.2010

Resident Appreciation Day

My husband and I (Kosta and Kelli Almiroudis) moved to the Lakewood area from NYC. We are residents as well as business owners in Lakewood. We loved Lakewood so much that we invested in a 45 unit commercial property on Detroit Avenue also known as the Highland Manor. It is a beautiful historical building built in the 1920's. It is a combination of Storefronts, Apartments and Townhomes.

When we took over this foreclosed property, it was only 30% occupied with alot of violence and drug trafficing. Since then, we have rehabbed all of the apartments filling the units with good tenants and families. We have currently reached 100% occupancy! In doing such a dramatic rehab and with steady managemnt, there are 75 new residents to Lakewood and two new businesses!

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Volume 6, Issue 21, Posted 8:25 AM, 10.21.2010

Housing Choices in Lakewood

In these days of tough economic times, a two-family home may be an excellent housing option.  Rental income assists the owner with a monthly mortgage payment and residents can enjoy flexible living situations.  Closer proximity to friends or family members who are able to live in the same house, one-floor living and preference for friends to co-mingle without cohabitating are a few reasons people choose two-family homes.

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Volume 6, Issue 20, Posted 8:30 AM, 10.06.2010

Real Estate Reality

Tax Credit?  We don’t need no stinkin tax credit!

So, by the end of April many people had hurried up and purchased a home so they could take advantage of the federal tax credit for first time home buyers. Good for them. This helped sell homes which allowed those home owners purchase their new home (and, by the way, possibly take advantage of a federal tax credit of up to $5600) and so on down the line. So far so good. People bought new homes and had some cash to improve their new home, or buy appliances, or, if they were very thoughtful, pay down the principle on their mortgage by $8000.

But what about the rest of us HUMMMMMMMMMM? What if we never found the house of our dreams, or circumstances conspired against us, or we just couldn’t decide what we wanted to do? What about us?

 

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Volume 6, Issue 18, Posted 2:15 AM, 09.08.2010

Back To School: The Three Rs (And A P)

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, or unless you’re very new to Lakewood, you are undoubtedly aware that Lakewood was selected by This Old House magazine as one of the Best Places in the Midwest to Buy an Old House in 2008. The article states Queen Anne, Spanish Revival, Tudor, and Colonial Revival houses can be found with all their original details, including magnificent millwork and stained-glass windows.” True enough. But are Lakewoodites of one mind about maintaining their homes? Do the terms remodel, rehabilitate, restore, and preserve have the same value to every Lakewood homeowner? Probably not.

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Volume 6, Issue 18, Posted 2:15 AM, 09.08.2010

Everybody Wants To Have Fun!

Wikipedia defines a Block Party as “a large public party in which many members of a single neighborhood congregate, either to observe an event of some importance or simply for mutual enjoyment. The name comes from the form of the party, which often involves closing an entire city block to vehicle traffic.” 

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Volume 6, Issue 16, Posted 8:28 AM, 08.11.2010

Making The Most Out Of A Small Space

We can all agree that Lakewood homes are grand in size and in our hearts. So the big question is how do you make the most out of a challenging room size? Follow these 5 simple tips. First, it’s all in the paint brush; painting both the crown molding and ceiling the same color opens up the space and creates a wider illusion. To trick the eye even further install flooring in either wood or tile into a diagonal pattern. Mirror Mirror on the wall who can give me the most space of them all? Place large mirrors facing each other which will ultimately add depth and more light. Give the room some Bling Bling by adding reflective materials to brighten the room; stainless-steel appliances in the kitchen or a vintage crystal chandelier in the bathroom. No window no problem; hang a large landscape painting to fake the illusion of a picturesque view. With a little bit of creativity and TLC any small space can meet its match.

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Volume 6, Issue 16, Posted 8:28 AM, 08.11.2010

Our Inner Ring Suburb

Our Inner Ring Suburb

When you walk through Lakewood, and I know you may be a bit jaded to the whole mystique of wonderful, walkable Lakewood, pause and look around. What do you see? If you lived elsewhere would you be capable of seeing so many different things? I know you have heard the litany many times but it bears repeating, a new library, the YMCA, fabulous dining establishments, brand new school buildings, a park, a skateboard park, a dog park ( at least for the moment) Georgian architecture, early twentieth century bungalow, shopping , other people walking, and least we forget, a very large lake, and all are within a ten minute walk of anywhere in Lakewood.

So what does this have to do with inner ring suburbs? Quite a lot actually. If you google the phrase inner ring suburb, the search results will be one tale after another outlining the death of the inner ring suburbs, followed by scholarly articles on how we must reinvent and re-imagine these cities in order for them to survive at all. You will read of how it is vital to keep these cities going before they become a part of the vast urban wasteland. There was one article that posited it was more economical to have a larger mortgage in an inner ring suburb than to have a smaller one out in the outer burbs when you add all the actual costs of gasoline, car upkeep, lack of family time and less social activity. Is this what you see when you stop to look around?

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Volume 6, Issue 16, Posted 8:28 AM, 08.11.2010

Real Estate Statistics 1-1-10 to 6-30-10

Lakewood Real Estate Statistics

(According to Multiple Listing Service)

By Andy Tabor - Realtor, GRI - Prudential Lucien

January 1 – June 30, 2010   Real Estate Statistics

Single Family Sold     YTD                                    192

Single Family Pending (Under Contract)                   28

Single Family Contingent (Under Contract)               15

Single Family Active                                             262

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Volume 6, Issue 16, Posted 8:28 AM, 08.11.2010