Real Estate

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...

Henry Beach arrived in East Rockport in 1864. Fruit farming was well underway in the township, so Henry began to grow fruit trees on his 28 acres near Beach and Detroit Avenues. Toward the end of the 19th century, residents of Cleveland began looking west for places to build new homes...

Life changes, families change, and housing requirements change -- and so, folks move on. But what if you have a house to sell while trying to purchase your next home? Consider the following options, as you think through a plan...

Benjamin Coutant came to Rockport from Pennsylvania in 1819. A marble finisher and pattern maker by trade, he was locally recognized for his mechanical skills. Mr. Coutant created a cover for his well (unheard of!) and built an original mechanism for raising, lowering, and filling the buckets...

Hi! This is Fido here and my pal Tabby! Wow, since the “folks” decided to sell our home, things sure have been crazy around here. They’re running around like chickens with their heads cut off…and lots of LOUD discussions. There’s furniture moving (my favorite snoozing chair is in the basement) and big boxes stacked high (full of stuff I used to play with.) Our food and water dishes are in a new places (that we can hardly reach….when we can FIND them!) Sheesh, I even saw her stuff my bed into a kitchen cupboard yesterday. (Fortunately, she pulled it back out when we got home...)

“What is crown molding?”

In the preceding issue of the Lakewood Observer, Part 1 of this early Lakewood history recalled the early 1800’s and the start of a small but beautiful township. By the 1850’s, mansions and stately homes began to replace farmhouses, and buildings of all kinds--modest homes, schools and churches--increased throughout the area...

Several members of the Lakewood Historical Society have viewed the inside of the Hilliard Square Theater in recent weeks. Built in 1927, it was a magnificent structure in the days of silent films, and was still attracting crowds in the 1970’s with films such as "The Rocky Horror Picture Show". In addition to the arcade that connects Hilliard and Madison (between the theater and Italian Creations), it also had a 98-key pipe organ, and the catwalks and dressing rooms that allowed it to offer live performances to a seated audience of about 1200 people...

Lakewood is a beautiful 5.6 square miles named for its natural wooded setting along the Lake Erie shore. The first permanent settler, James Nicholson, came from Connecticut on foot when he was only 20 years old. By 1818 he acquired over 300 acres from Madison Avenue to the Lake. Our first real estate developer! Lakewood was originally known as Township 7, Range 14, of Rockport Township (created in 1819).

"Are Retirees and Baby Boomers exempt from capital gain taxes?"

In Robert Semenow’s book titled Questions and Answers on Real Estate (2nd edition, 1955), many interesting references are made with regard to women and their abilities to enter into contracts, execute leases, and enter into agreements of sale...

As a realtor, I just had the good fortune to receive the news that a first time buyer had a home inspection with no problems found! The homeowner was incredibly diligent about regular maintenance and when the time came to sell, she received an offer in 6 weeks, with regular comments from showing appointments about how clean and well maintained her home was. This is an ideal that not too many homeowners achieve, but planning ahead certainly benefited this seller...

If you are prospective home buyer searching for homes on the internet, good for you! Logging onto www.realtor.com or www.yahoo.com/realestate will take you to the area of your choice and let you select any price range you want. You can even pick how many bedrooms & bathrooms you would like. While it can be fun to look at homes online it makes sense to find your own price category first. With that in mind, back away from the computer and go speak with a lender...

"How many Realtors are there in the US?"

I was recently given a book titled Questions and Answers on Real Estate, by Robert Semenow. The highly-credentialed author offered the second edition of his book in 1955 so that real estate brokers "might avoid the pitfalls of incompetency and unethical practices" and to "provide a source of study material for the applicant qualifying for admission to the real estate fraternity."

You want to get the most profit from an investment and your home, as one of the biggest investments you make, is no exception. In this Buyer’s market, recent sales show that homes are selling, but are taking longer to sell and selling at a lower price than comparable homes a few years ago. This is great for those buying homes, but more challenging for home sellers...

What do the experts say about the housing market in 2008?

John West owned 700 acres just south of Rockport. His land ultimately became known as “West’s Park” because of his installation of many beautiful plantings, a man-made lake and manicured lawns...

John West owned 700 acres just south of Rockport. His land ultimately became known as “West’s Park” because of his installation of many beautiful plantings, a man-made lake and manicured lawns...

"What is a Home Warranty?"

A home warranty is a service contract paid for by either the Buyer or the Seller, usually at closing. The cost in this area is a bargain at approximately $500 or less. In today’s buyer’s market, many Sellers are choosing to offer a home warranty with the purchase of their home to potential buyers...

Spring IS in the air! Although we haven’t put in the screens yet, the front door stands ajar for a little fresh air that doesn’t feel frigid. I’ll even admit to washing interior windows while the last big snow kept me indoors. I’ve walked the exterior perimeter, picked up twigs, welcomed the leafy green shoots of the season's first crocuses and daffodils and noted the robin’s nestbuilding activities well under way...

"Why Buy instead of Rent?"

Spring is a season of renewal. Birds are singing and the flowers are beginning to burst into bloom. The days are getting longer and people are getting outdoors again. So not surprisingly, real estate activity begins to swing into high gear. The weather is more cooperative and families are looking to move during the summer break. If you are considering putting your home on the market, now's a good time to do some spring maintenance to make sure your home is in tip-top shape. Even if you aren't planning to sell your home, you should still add these chores to your list to help preserve your home's value and help avoid major repairs later on...

"What is Appraised Value?"

People come to Lakewood for its walkability, its proximity to the lake and its easy commute to downtown. But most of all, people come to Lakewood for the charm and character of our antique houses. In the 1950s, 60s and 70s, the fashionable updates were to paint that dark old woodwork, carpet those bare floors and replace light fixtures with trendy items of the day. Today, natural woodwork, leaded glass windows & doors, and gleaming hardwood floors are as highly prized by homebuyers as they were by the original owners...

Thomas Hird, an uneducated young man who came to the United States from England in 1818, was hired to manage 320 acres of the Richard Lord estate near W. 117th Street. Thomas fell in love with the wealthy landowner’s niece, Hope Randal Lord, but the family disapproved of the courtship because of Thomas’s lower-class upbringing and lack of education...

"What is radiant heating & cooling?"..

The process of buying a home may seem like a daunting task, especially if you’ve never done it before. The route to getting into your new home seems much more manageable by looking at the basic stages...

"Why is it recommended that I put away family photos when selling my home?"