Greater Cleveland Real Estate Blog

Horses, Hunting, Happiness - all inclusive in one beautiful property in Mesopotamia, OH.

8510 St Rt 534, Middlefield, OH 44062 For Sale $290,000 For more photos and detailed information, please visit: www.MesopotamiaHorseProperty.com      Home    Full Details    Photo Tour    Print Brochure    Property Map    Area Schools    Schedule a Showing    Email Property Info    Mortgage Calculator    About Me    Contact Me    Census Information    Area Amenities    MLS search    Local-n-Global Main Info    Blog about Real Estate    Compare Communities Here This home and land is something to fall in love with. About 25 beautiful acres of rolling meadows, woods and fishing pond. 500 ft front. It's wonderfully accommodated for horse lovers, dog breeders and nature admirers. Driveway lined by the walnut trees leads you to the nice updated brick ranch style house. There are two barns. One is currently used as a shop. Two newer kennels with fenced-in exercise area were recently built. Invisible fence has been installed to cover total of about 5 acres of property. There is a nice loft in this barn. Another barn is used as a stable with five stalls - may be six. There is a newer overhead door with door opener, water line, newer concrete floor. Split rail fence goes along two pastures, two nice size paddocks. There is an outdoor 140' x 80' arena. Over 5 acres of wonderful hard woods are on the back of the property - wildlife paradise! Apple trees, cherry trees, blackberry, raspberry bushes are in the woods. Nice fishing pond may be expanded to create a big natural looking lake. www.MesopotamiaHorseProperty.com Features Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 4½ 4 Full 1 half Area: Mesopotamia, OH Style: Ranch Sq. Ft.: 1,936 Lot Size: 24.24 acres Year Built: 1984 Svetlana Stolyarova Broker Local-n-Global Realty Office: 440-247-5388 Mobile: 216-548-HOME(4663) Email: Realty@Local-n-Global.com Website: Local-n-Global.com 24 Hrs. Hotline: 877-770-5551     Powered by AgencyLogic

FHA Approved Pre-Foreclosure Sale Program helped make Short Sale in South Euclid a success story.

It feels good to complete a Short Sale and get sincere thanks from your selling clients.

We've just closed one  Short Sale in South Euclid OH. I mention the city only because it's the area where buyers better chose privately owned or bank owned sales over Short sales.

Short Sale is a stigma, and agent needs guts, persistency, excellent communication skills, and good preparation in order to make it happen. It's a stigma mostly because of too many uncertainties related to Short Sales. Fantasy of listing price is one of the biggest issues which makes most of the buyers unhappy with an idea of dealing with the Short Sales.

My selling clients and me were lucky this time because sellers were eligible for FHA approved pre-foreclosure sale program.

From the agent's point of view, there is one big advantage of working with this program: listing price gets approved by the seller's lender. When the sellers prepare and submit all the necessary documents to their bank, appraisal gets ordered, and whatever appraised value is, this price is recommended as the listing price.

If the offer is not produced during certain amount of time, seller's lender may allow a small price reduction, usually within 4 % of appraised value. If at this price there are no offers yet, another appraisal may be ordered, and sellers and their agent get another 30 days to procure an offer.

That's exactly what happened during this Short Sale in South Euclid. First appraisal came high, and there was no way to convince any buyer to make an offer, despite all our tremendous marketing efforts to sell the house in South Euclid.

After second appraisal and consequent price reduction offer was received, accepted and approved. Sellers got the ability to move on with their lives and were granted the waiver of deficiency. Buyers got great home at a very good price. Lender avoided hassles and losses of foreclosure. Win-win, and I'm glad that Pre-Foreclosure sale program was a big help in avoiding the worst.

Good news for the buyers is that if the sellers of Short Sale properties are eligible for this program, transaction may actually go smoothly and successfully, given that you deal with experienced and patient agents.

Lyndhurst OH Real Estate News - Thinking of seeing houses in Lyndhurst this weekend? Plan to come to our Open House at 4837 N. Sedgewick Rd. this Sunday, March 25 between 1 pm and 3 pm.

It's a very interesting Real Estate market here in Lyndhurst OH.

As of 03/23/12, there are 183 houses and condos offered for sale. Prices vary from $35,000 for a small 3 bedroom bungalow located at 1507 Biltmore Rd,  Lyndhurst, OH  44124, which is Short Sale, to $889,000 for the incredible penthouse at 5150  Three Village Dr #PHB-L,  Lyndhurst, OH  44124.

Buyers activity is pretty high:  77 properties sold in Lyndhurst OH during last 6 months, and 41 Lyndhurst homes and condos are currently under the contract. Hopefully, there will be even more sales during the high selling season.

If you are on the market now looking for the nice affordable home for you and your family, please don't hesitate to visit our Open House this Sunday.

Can't do it on Sunday? No problem! Call 877-770-5551 ext 801 and set up your private tour with Svetlana Stolyarova.

4837 N Sedgewick Rd., Lyndhurst, OH 44124 For Sale $109,500 For more photos and detailed information, please visit: www.LyndhurstHome.com      Home    Full Details    Photo Tour    Print Brochure    Property Map    Area Schools    Schedule a Showing    Email Property Info    Mortgage Calculator    Lyndhurst    Featured listings    About Me    Contact Me    Local-n-Global Weather    Ask Svetlana. Let's Blog! Lyndhurst house is move in ready . Perfect location in the heart of popular Lyndhurst. Very quiet street, within a short distance to the best shopping areas in Greater Cleveland, close to major highways, restaurants, medical facilities, parks, museums. Wonderful ranch style home is ready for new owners. It is a very clean, fresh, spacious home with newer windows, young roof, today's colors, neat kitchen with all appliances, full finished basement and attached 2-car garage with Naturestone floor. Gorgeous Living room adjacent to the dining area, three bedrooms, one full, one half bathroom and a shower in full finished basement create a very nice space for living, entertaining with guests and family, and enjoying beautiful warm evenings outdoor. If you need a nice, warm, ready to move in home conveniently located in the vicinity of major Cleveland hospitals, Universities, business district, shopping, entertainment and accessible via highway, please don't doubt and call for showing any time. Just dial 877-770-5551 ext. 801.   www.LyndhurstHome.com   Features Bedrooms: 3 ++ Bathrooms: 2 1 full 1 half Area: Lyndhurst Style: Ranch Sq. Ft.: 1,424 Lot Size: .20 acre Year Built: 1956 Svetlana Stolyarova Broker Local-n-Global Realty Office: 440-247-5388 Mobile: 216-548-HOME(4663) Email: Realty@Local-n-Global.com Website: Local-n-Global.com 24 Hrs. Hotline: 877-770-5551         Powered by AgencyLogic

Prime Brecksville condo - 3,400 sq ft of living space for just $209,500 - OPEN SUNDAY 05/20 from 1 pm till 3 pm.

There is a hidden gem in desirable Brecksville - right across the street from the City Hall. It's Windward Hills condos. Nature and sophisticated life style go along in Windward Hills. Picturesque wooded hills create a perfect setting for contemporary style condominiums, each with the breathtaking view.

You have a chance to buy one of the most smartly designed, reasonably priced, large units in Windward Hills.

Condo will be Open this Sunday, 05/20/12 between 1 pm and 3 pm. Can't make it this time? Not a problem! Call Irina Belkofer 216-407-0761 and set up time for private showing.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS Svetlana Stolyarova Irina Belkofer Photo Gallery Description Exquisite property in desirable Brecksville. Unique opportunity to enjoy privacy and space which not every single home can provide, and convenience of condominium care free living. Full size end unit offers three levels of nicely appointed living space. Updated kitchen with all stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops and slate flooring is complimented by stunning 2-storied dining room with wet bar and sliding door to the deck. Beautiful Great room features fireplace and another sliding door to the deck. Million dollar view! First floor is perfectly designed for entertainment and enjoyment. Quality throughout. You will find dramatic master suite and guest suite with huge walk in closets and full bathrooms on the second floor. Spacious loft overlooks great room. It may be used as an office or sitting area. There is a Recreation room with stone gas fireplace, bar, workshop , full bath with whirlpool tub in walk-out basement. Abundance of storage. Excellent choice! Come and see yourself!!! Features Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3.5 Parking Spaces: 2 car Year Built: 1981 Attached on: 1 Side Garage Size: 484 School District: Brecksville-Broadview Square Footage: 2728 Agent Name: Irina Belkofer Broker: Local-n-Global Realty MLS #: 3298714 Location 6889 Woodwalk Dr Brecksville OH 44147 Created with vFlyer Marketing vFlyer Id: 140892004

Our company again listed and sold a house in Maple Heights, which seems to be a very good opportunity for serious investors.

It happened that exactly at the same time we wrote a letter of support to the City of Maple Heights, so our City could receive the Community Development Block Grant 2012.   

I admire the efforts which City of Maple Heights do in order to keep up with the troubles and real problems which our neighborhoods face.

It seems to be a good combination of investors' and the City's job. It makes me and our clients optimistic about investing in this strategically located and wisely governed City.

Just look at another opportunity and call us 877-770-5551 x 801.

5166 Stanley Ave., Maple Heights, OH 44137 SOLD$14,500 For more photos and detailed information, please visit: www.MapleHeightsRE.com      Home    Full Details    Photo Tour    Print Brochure    Property Map    Area Schools    Schedule a Showing    Email Property Info    Mortgage Calculator    About Me    Contact Me    Census Information    Area Amenities    Feedback Form    Walk Score    Image Library Investment opportunity in Maple Heights Maple Heights, OH - excellent chance to jump into an opportunity to bring back to life well designed home in desirable neighborhood of Maple Heights. It has many updates already completed, like newer siding and windows. Good floor plan, vaulted Great room with skylights and excellent location make this house a good choice for smart investor. Charming tree lined street in conveniently located neighborhood makes this house even more attractive. Property sold AS IS. Seller provides no disclosures. Buyer shall assume City of Maple Heights Point of Sale violations. Convenient location in minutes to I-480, shopping centers, hospitals, and major Cleveland amenities makes living in Maple Heights very attractive. Don't wait too long!   www.MapleHeightsRE.com   Features Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2 Full Area: Maple Heights Style: Bungalow Sq. Ft.: 1,400 Lot Size: .132 acre Year Built: 1924 Svetlana Stolyarova Broker Local-n-Global Realty Office: 440-247-5388 Mobile: 216-548-HOME(4663) Email: Realty@Local-n-Global.com Website: Local-n-Global.com 24 Hrs. Hotline: 877-770-5551         Powered by AgencyLogic

Real Estate Agent's Tool Kit. How to efficiently keep in touch with your clients, prospects, sphere of influence and friends.

Keeping in touch is one of the most important and most challenging duties which Real Estate agents owe to themselves and to their clients.

I am talking about few categories of people with whom we, the agents, should keep in touch:

- Current sellers = communication is a-must. Lack of contacts after signing the Exclusive right to sell is the most common complaint by sellers. At least once a week communication is highly recommended. Report to the seller about your marketing efforts, pass on feed backs from the other agents, share the market updates (new competitors, sales, etc.)

- Current buyers = communication is the king. Skip few days, and you can lose the client to the other agent because buyer wants to buy the home, not to wait till agent finds time to keep in touch.

- Sellers after closing = communication may be tough, especially if your client is relocating far away from your place. Simple politeness and courtesy of sending Thank you, Happy birthday, Just thinking about you notes makes a good habit.

- Buyers after clolsing = don't abandon your clients! New homeowners need a lot of information which the agent as a local expert, can provide. Happy buyers are our best source of referrals. However, many agents tend to forget about keeping in touch with their former clients. Isn't it the reason why only 23% of all sellers and 17% of repeat buyers use the agent who worked with them before? Most of the sellers bought their current home or sold the previous one with the help of Real Estate agent. 63% of all sellers and 65% of all buyers were positive that they would definitely use  their agent again ofr recommend to others*. Not keeping in touch means loss of business and it costs too much to Real Estate agents!

* Data from the NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Home Selles, 2011

- People who ever mentioned that they are thinking about buying or selling Real Estate = you want to be the agent whom these people will call once they really need a help. You want to bring your name as a Real Estate professional in front of this people. You need to keep in touch.

- Your friends, business or leisure contacts and family who ever discussed Real Estate with you = Excellent potential source of business if you keep in touch!

I am positive that every Real Estate agent knows these basics. The problem is - HOW TO MAKE KEEPING IN TOUCH EASY AND CONSISTENT?

Let's look what is in the Real Estate agent's tool box.

Let me share with you one instrument which is a great helper to any agent who wants to keep in touch easily and consistently.

It's NewPanda - contact management system, specifically designed for Real Estate industry.

Just go to NewPanda.com. You get a FREE contact  management. Upload or input your contacts, set up the groups.

What can you do with NewPanda to keep in touch easily and consistently?

1. Subscribe your contacts to a monthly Real Estate Newsletter. Newsletter is pre-written for you , and it contains very interesting articles, videos, polls. You may easily cusomize it, change header, add your articles or images. Or just send the "canned" newsletter, which is not a bad idea, especially when you are real busy selling Real Estate.

2. Set up an auto-pilot e-cards. Let your contacts to get your nicely and professionaly designed e-cards every holiday, anniversary, birthday or any other date whch is significant to them.

3. Create e-listing and send information about it to those groups of your contacts who may be interested in it.

4. Track the results of your e-mail campaigns. See who opened your letter, what was the conversion rate, how many people opened it more than once, etc.

5. Create To-Do list. Remind yourself to make that important call or to arrange the lunch with your contact.

6. Print mailing labels when you need to mail the hand written or preprinted cards to your contacts.

7. Create custom messages using beautiful professionally designed templates.

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH YOU CONTACTS and help more people to buy or sell Real Estate.

More information about other usefull tools for Real Estate agents may be found at:

Real Estate Agent's Tool Kit: How Not To Miss Important Calls

Real Estate Agent's Tool Kit: How to Show the Houses To Home Buyers Circa 2010

Have a wonderful selling season!

Why Would You Be Waiting For Spring Time To Sell Your Beachwood OH Home?

It's not a secret that many home sellers in Greater Cleveland postpone listings of their homes till Spring time. Usually it is worth it because our winters may be not so pleasant, and it's harder to show the houses during snow days.

Selling homes in winter may be also challenging because there are usually  fewer home buyers on the Winter market than in Spring time.

Not this year. Working with home buyers, we run into situation when it's more buyers than matching homes. And I'm not talking about serial Deal seakers. I am talking about the first time home buyers or moving up buyers who need a good place for their families to live.

Let's look at the popular Beachwood OH Real Estate market. Per NorthEastern Ohio Multiple Listing Services (NORMLS), there were 78 single family homes sold in 2011. As of 01/28/2012, only 29 houses in Beachwood are offered for sale. Most of these houses have been on the market for a while - we see even the one with 934 days on the market. Average DOM (Days On Market) is 204, Cumulative average DOM is 249 days.

Winter Buyers' activity is pretty high, that's why we have 18 houses which are currently under the contract - in contingent or pending status. BTW most of these homes found their buyers after long time on the market - average DOM of over 230 days. That's a good news.

Bad news is that there are not enough homes for the active and ready buyers. Let's look at the market data. In 2011 therer were 31 homes sold in less than 60 days on the market. And 17 homes sold in less than 30 days!

Dear owners of Beachwood OH homes!

If you need to sell this year, if your house is in a good marketable condition, if you know that you need to move, please don't hesitate to call us and put your home on the market. 877-70-5551 x 801 is the right number to call. It's 24/7 Hotline, and we'll be happy to answer your questions about the pricing, marketability, staging and marketing for the best possible sale of your home.

Why would you wait till Spring when competition will be more harsh? Buyers are on the market. They may be waiting for your home.

Call 877-770-5551 x 801 now.

Is Fannie Mae a Good Landlord? Should it be?

We all read about new governmental initiatives allowing Fannie, HUD and the banks to rent out their properties. Let me share my first experience in representing the buyers who are buying the property from Fannie Mae with the tenants in place.

      First, the sellers want tenants to stay at the house at least for 3 months after title transfer. That sounds reasonable to my clients. That sounds not bad to me. Except one little thing: I know that the City has an ordinance which requires new rental registration when either there is a change in ownership or a change in tenants. All our clients are aware of this and know that   they should be in compliance.

So, we ask the sellers's agent to provide us with the lease agreement which we receive. It's a good written agreement, nothing is unusual or odd about it. There is a high chance that new owners might want to keep these tenants if they make their payments and bring no troubles. Why not?

Surprises start when we call the City.

- Tenants in the house your clients buy are squatters! - that's exactly what I heard today from the City official.

- What do you mean? I know that there is a legitimate Lease agreement between Fannie Mae and the tenants.

- It's never been registered, house has never been inspected and certified for rent. Tenants may be in a big trouble because of these owners' negligence.

Oops!

Hopefully, these tenants will not get in troubles because we notified the seller's representative immediately, and, hopefully, they will take care of bringing their rental in compliance with local ordinances.

Hopefully, future tenants will not suffer because the big guys in Fannie just ignore local rules.

More hopefully, there will be no such thing as governmental housing. It's a private market, and let the private owners and private investors deal with the tenants, their rights and responsibilities. That's the only way to keep it alive.