I was just checking out Jay Carter's Blog www.livingInAustin.com and he pointed out an article in the New York Times that might surprise you.  "What's Lurking in Your Countertop?"  is an article that might just make you re-think what type of countertop you should have in your kitchen. 

The Great Granite Reign may be coming to an end. Personally I am a fan of Concrete Countertops. They are becoming more and more popular.  Now they might even be safer! Check out some more information about Concrete Countertops. 

Happy Monday morning.  I fell in love all over again with the Cleveland area this weekend and I wanted to share it with you.

First, a little background.  I grew up in Shaker Heights and then studied at The Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.  After school I moved to Chicago to start a career in Advertising.  Most of my friends from college and growing up went to New York, Chicago and LA after school.  Everyone wanted to get out of here in search of bigger and better things.  Well city life was great but two years ago I decided to move back to Cleveland to settle down. My mom has been working in Real Estate for almost 10 years and I decided that it was time to join the family business.

Big city friends of mine were confused as to why I would want to move back to the "small town".  But I told them, I love Cleveland, it is a great place to live and raise a family.  (If you live here I am sure you agree.)  So in the next couple posts I am going to explain to all those people out there why the Cleveland Metropolitan area is a great place to live.  Feel free to post your own comments why you love Cleveland too. 

I am going to start with this weekend because I think it is a good span of activities that our area has to offer.  Friday night my husband and I with a couple friends went to the Indians game.  We actually won, but that was not the highlight.  After the game, everyone in the stands didn't rush out of there as fast as possible.  It was fireworks night.  The stadium was filled with families eagerly awaiting the fireworks. The lights went off on the field and we watched one of the greatest firework displays I have ever seen.  They played beach music in the background. It was a lot of fun.  After the show we made our way to East 4th Street and then W. 9th Street.  

If you have not been to E. 4th this summer I strongly recommend it.  Cleveland Downtown night life is alive and kicking.  East 4th is a pedestrian only street lined with bars and restaurants and cafes.  It is fun for all ages! Two of my favorites are Hilarities 4th Street Theatre and Corner Alley Bar & Grill. Check them out!

Saturday night we stayed uptown on the East Side.  Legacy Village has a summer concert series every Saturday night.  Free shows.  This week was a fun 70', 80's and 90's band.  The patch of grass at Legacy Village turns into a lawn at a concert venue for one night.  It was so nice to see people bringing their lawn chairs and their kids to relax and listen to the music.  Plus it was all free.   

Sunday we headed East to Bainbridge to eat great tasting ribs and BBQ at Cowboy.  The food was great.  But the best part was driving home. It was a beautiful night and what better way to enjoy it  but  with the windows down driving down Chagrin River Rd. past the polo fields breathing in the crisp air. 

My point is, from downtown to the East side there are tons of things to do. In just the span of one weekend, a Cleveland area resident can hang out in the city, watch a fun free concert in the 'burbs' and go on a country drive.  And all of this is right in your back yard.   

If you are interested in buying or selling Real Estate please contact us at info@NoPlaceLikeCleveland.com

Big news in the foreclosure crisis today as in a rare Saturday session the senate approved the housing rescue bill.  Get the full story at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25848449/ .

"This is far more than sending a bill to the president's desk for his signature. It's sending a message to the American people that the Congress of the United States despite an alternative reputation can actually get things done, and can work together to achieve a good result," said Sen. Christopher J. Dodd, chairman of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee.

The Senate voted 72-13 to send the bill to the president. This bill would allow the Federal Housing Administration to guarantee as much as $300 billion in lower-cost mortgages- provided that lenders accept significant losses. This provision could help at least 400,000 homeowners.  This bill would allow homeowners who cannot afford their payments to refinance into more affordable government backed loans instead of losing their homes.

But what does it mean for us in Ohio and Cuyahoga County?  We are an area that has been particular hard hit by the foreclosure crisis.  The Plain Dealer reports today on page A12 that "In Cleveland, where median home prices have plunged 75 percent, officials are counting on a countrywide land bank program to help deal with blighted properties left behind. Cuyahoga Country needs approval from the state legislature for a land bank, which would allow it to seize abandoned houses and either demolish them or repair and sell them."

Crain's Cleveland   http://crainscleveland.com/article/20080724/FREE/6   says Cleveland stands to gain an estimated $58 million in federal funds to obtain, repair and resell foreclosed homes under the bill, according to Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH). The funds will filter to local communities through the U.S. Community Development Block Grant program. The funds also could aid related projects in neighborhoods hard-hit by foreclosure.

Is this bill just a way to bail out irresponsible homeowners and lenders and make Washington look good in an election year? Time will tell.  In the meantime it may help cities like Cleveland get back on their feet.

For information about buying or selling your house email us at info@noplacelikecleveland.com

Don't believe what people say about the Cleveland Real Estate Market.  We at the Weiner Real Estate Group lovingly refer to this buyer's market as a MARKET SHIFT.  So Shift Happens! 

The proof is clear with 22362 Rye Rd.  We Listed and Sold this great house on Rye Rd. in Shaker Heights in just ONE day.  

Proof once again, price, and condition are what matters!  Our Seller took our advice, staged her house and got it looking perfect.  And it paid off, she was able to get it sold quickly. If you have any questions, about what we can do to get your house sold as quickly as possible please email us at info@NoPlaceLikeCleveland.com

Just listed! 

Three Village Penthouse. 

Beautiful views!

Lots of Light! 

Spacious Rooms! 

Beautiful Hardwood Floors!

Don't miss this one!

Email us today for more information:  info@NoPlaceLikeCleveland

Cleveland Heights has the most inventory of any of the cities that we have looked at.  Cleveland Heights is an interesting city because of the wide range of homes available. 

There are currently 563 active listings in Cleveland Heights, however there are also 125 Pending listings.  This just displays the size of Cleveland Heights.  Also, sellers are getting 91% of list price price.  That is the lowest of any city we have looked at so far. 

Cleveland Heights State of the Market Report:

There are 563 active listings on the market in Cleveland Heights.

These homes have been on the market an average of 105 days.

Homes that are now under contract are the most recent successes, these sellers have reached their goals.

There are currently 125 pending listings in Cleveland Heights.

These homes have been on the market an average of 86 days.

Homes that have recently sold are historic indicators of perceived value. Appraisers will use this data when determining the loan value of your home.

There were 240 properties sold in the last 6 months in Cleveland Heights.

These homes were on the market for an average of 95 days.

The average sale price of $139,490 divided by the average list price of $129,539 tells us

that sellers are accepting, on the average, 91% of the list price.

Homes that have been on the market and never sold tell us a story.

The total number of market rejected homes (expired listings) in the last 6 months is 502.

These homes have been on the market an average of 159 days.

If you take the Pending listings (125) + the total sold listings (240)  they equal 365 recent successes in the past 6 months.

365 recent successes divided by 6 months =60.5 homes that sell per month.

563 active listings divided by 60.5 homes that sell per month = 9.3 months of inventory in Cleveland Heights as of July 20, 2008.

It is so important to price your home correctly.  If you are getting ready to sell please contact us for a free market analysis of you home. 

Chagrin Falls is little town that is fondly referred to as the New England of North East Ohio.  It is so much fun to walk around Main Street in the Summer.  Not only is the town pleasant the schools also get high ratings.  However, compared to Solon market times, In Chagrin they are a lot longer.  There are fewer expired listings in Chagrin Falls then Solon. Both Chagrin Falls and Solon have around 9.5 months of inventory.  In Solon they have had 100 more recent sales then Chagrin.  Solon is quite larger then Chagrin Falls so that has a lot to do with it.  The Market Times and Expired Listing in Chagrin Falls are consistent with Shaker and Pepper Pike. This tells us that of all four cities, Solon is getting houses sold a little quicker then the others. In Chagrin Falls sellers are typically getting 95% of their list price.  This is more then any of the other three cities.

Lets take a look at the Chagrin Falls State of the market as of July 16, 2008. 

Chagrin Falls: 

There are 71 active listings on the market in Chagrin Falls.

These homes have been on the market an average of 127 days.

Homes that are now under contract are the most recent successes, these sellers have reached their goals.

There are currently 7 pending listings in Chagrin Falls.

These homes have been on the market an average of 116 days.

Homes that have recently sold are historic indicators of perceived value. Appraisers will use this data when determining the loan value of your home.

There were 38 properties sold in the last 6 months in Chagrin Falls.

These homes were on the market for an average of 119 days.

The average sale price of $327,565, divided by the average list price of $344,660, tells us

that sellers are accepting, on the average, 95% of the list price.

Homes that have been on the market and never sold tell us a story.

The total number of market rejected homes (expired listings) in the last 6 months is 33.

These homes have been on the market an average of 199 days.

If you take the Pending listings (7) + the total sold listings (38)  they equal 45 recent successes in the past 6 months.

45 recent successes divided by 6 months = 7.5 homes that sell per month.

71 active listings divided by 7.5 homes that sell per month = 9.5 months of inventory in Chagrin Falls as of July 16, 2008.

It is so important to price your home correctly.  If you are getting ready to sell please contact us for a free market analysis of you home. 

Today we look at the market of Solon.  Market times in Solon are a little less then Shaker Heights and Pepper Pike. Pending homes have only been on the market an average of 65 days.  Please notice that all three markets are accepting around 90%-95% of list price.  This means that once a house is priced right it sells.  We can't stress enough the importance of price.  If you start too high, you will be one of those people that ends up on the expired list.  Buyers only look at what they can afford.   If you plan to price your house higher so when you negotiate you come down to where you want to be, your house is going to sit on the market for a really long time.

Take a look at the Solon stats below.  Remember, these are as July 14. 

Solon Market Report

There are 228 active listings on the market in Solon.

These homes have been on the market an average of 107 days.

Homes that are now under contract are the most recent successes, these sellers have reached their goals.

There are currently 31 pending listings in Solon.

These homes have been on the market an average of 65 days.

Homes that have recently sold are historic indicators of perceived value. Appraisers will use this data when determining the loan value of your home.

There were 115 properties sold in the last 6 months in Solon.

These homes were on the market for an average of 99 days.

The average sale price of $337,262, divided by the average list price of $363,909, tells us

that sellers are accepting, on the average, 92% of the list price.

Homes that have been on the market and never sold tell us a story.

The total number of market rejected homes (expired listings) in the last 6 months is 130.

These homes have been on the market an average of 180 days.

If you take the Pending listings (31) + the total sold listings (115)  they equal 146 recent successes in the past 6 months.

146 recent successes divided by 6 months = 24  homes that sell per month.

228 active listings divided by 24 homes that sell per month = 9.5 months of inventory in Solon as of July 11, 2008.

When pricing your home, it is very important to price your home according to the market. Contact the Weiner Real Estate Group to give you a Complimentary Market Analysis today if you planning on selling your home in the near future.

The Weiner Real Estate Group are also Real Estate Experts in Pepper Pike. So today we are going to look at the state of the market there.  These are the numbers as of July 11 at 9:00AM.  Don't forget the market is constantly changing. 

The important numbers to pay attention to are the average market time for homes that have sold, and the percent of list price sellers are accepting.  You can see that Pepper Pike is still in a "buyer's market" based on the market time and the current 13.5 months of inventory. 

Pepper Pike State of the Market Report:

There are 94 active listings on the market in Pepper Pike.

These homes have been on the market an average of 124 days.

Homes that are now under contract are the most recent successes, these sellers have reached their goals.

There are currently 11 pending listings in Pepper Pike.

These homes have been on the market an average of 115 days.

Homes that have recently sold are historic indicators of perceived value. Appraisers will use this data when determining the loan value of your home.

There were 31 properties sold in the last 6 months in Pepper Pike.

These homes were on the market for an average of 121 days.

The average sale price of $499,734, divided by the average list price of $547,454, tells us

that sellers are accepting, on the average, 91% of the list price.

Homes that have been on the market and never sold tell us a story.

The total number of market rejected homes (expired listings) in the last 6 months is 50.

These homes have been on the market an average of 192 days.

If you take the Pending listings (11) + the total sold listings (31)  they equal 42 recent successes in the past 6 months.

42 recent successes divided by 6 months = 7  homes that sell per month.

94 active listings divided by 7 homes that sell per month = 13.5 months of inventory in Pepper Pike as of July 11, 2008.

When pricing your home, it is very important to price your home according to the market. Contact the Weiner Real Estate Group to give you a Complimentary Market Analysis today if you planning on selling your home in the near future.

The Weiner Real Estate Group is committed to being your Northeast Ohio Real Estate Experts!  In so doing, the next couple of posts are going to be dedicated to the state of our real estate market. 

I will go through each East Side Suburb to give you a comprehensive look at the market.  This will give you a realistic view of what is going on out there.  And to tell you the truth, it isn't all doom and gloom like the papers say.  These numbers are taken strictly from the Multiple Listing Service and are true as of July 9, 2008.  Remember the market changes every day.  

Today we start with the Shaker Heights State of the Market Report:

There are 382 active listings on the market in Shaker Heights.

These homes have been on the market an average of 103 days.

Homes that are now under contract are the most recent successes, these sellers have reached their goals.

There are currently 65 pending listings in Shaker Heights.

These homes have been on the market an average of 105 days.

Homes that have recently sold are historic indicators of perceived value. Appraisers will use this data when determining the loan value of your home.

There were 170 properties sold in the last 6 months in Shaker Heights.

These homes were on the market for an average of 112 days.

The average sale price of $213,948, divided by the average list price of $226,756, tells us

that sellers are accepting, on the average, 92% of the list price.

Homes that have been on the market and never sold tell us a story.

The total number of market rejected homes (expired listings) in the last 6 months is 245.

These homes have been on the market an average of 167 days.

If you take the Pending listings (65) + the total sold listings (170)  they equal 235 recent successes in the past 6 months.

235 recent successes divided by 6 months = 39  homes that sell per month.

382 active listings divided by 39 homes that sell per month = 9.76 months of inventory in Shaker Heights as of July 9, 2008.

When pricing your home, it is very important to price your home according to the market. Contact the Weiner Real Estate Group to give you a Complimentary Market Analysis today if you planning on selling your home in the near future.

Greater Cleveland is a buyer's Market.  Here are 4 easy steps to get you ready to buy your first home.

If you have listened to any news lately then you know that this is the time to buy real estate.  Greater Cleveland is a buyer's market, home prices are lower then ever and now is the time to buy. You must be brave because a great opportunity is right in front of you!

The Weiner Real Estate Group are experts at working with first time home buyers. We are here to guide you through the home buying process so you can find the best home at the best price for you.

Here is what you need to do to get started:

1) Build a road map to your new home:  For a more enjoyable experience you should first write a list of priorities that you are looking for in your new home. This will help you figure out what you are looking for. For example, What neighborhood would you like to live? How many bedrooms?  How many bathrooms?

2) Get Pre-approved:  This is the most important thing you need to do before you even start to look at homes. This involves meeting with a bank or a mortgage broker to discuss your credit and how much you can afford. They then will give you a pre-approval letter that says when you find the house you want to buy you will qualify for a mortgage.

3) Make sure you have good credit:  If you are getting ready to buy a home it is very important that your credit is in good shape. Make sure that you make all payments on time. Also make sure you don't open any new credit cards right before you apply for a mortgage. It could negatively affect your credit score.

4)Decide your Price Range:  Your lender will help you decide what is a comfortable price range for you to begin looking at houses. 
   

First time buyers are in a position of power right now.  You do not have a house to sell.  If you can qualify for a mortgage you can get a great deal! Below you can search for all houses in Northeast Ohio.

Search all Greater Cleveland Homes for Sale

 If you see a house you like, or would like more information about buying your first home please contact Erin Oakley at Keller Williams Realty at 216-410-8221 or by email at Erin@NoPlaceLikeCleveland.com 

There is No Place Like Cleveland on Independence Day!

If you are interested in seeing fireworks in the Cleveland area this weekend here is a great link to metromix's list of things to do in the Cleveland area.

http://Cleveland.metromix.com/events/article/july-4th-fireworks-displays/477996/content

By the way have you looked at the new metromix Cleveland website? It is a great place to read about fun things to do in Cleveland and get restaurant reviews! Check it out: www.metromix.com

Happy July 4th!