Cleveland Real Estate And More

Shadow Lake, Solon Oh - This was taken at the South Chagrin Reservation, part of the Cleveland Metroparks, one of the largest park systems in the country.

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About The Authors:

Dan and Amy Schuman are Solon OH residents. They specialize in Solon luxury homes, working with buyers relocating to Solon, and first-time buyers.

For Ohio and Solon OH real estate and homes see Solon real estate

For a personal consultation or to speak directly to The Schuman Team, call 216-346-3235.

VIEW ALL SOLON OH HOMES FOR SALE BY CLICKING BELOW

CHECK OUT THE SCHUMAN TEAM'S AWARD-WINNING WEBSITE

Wordless Wednesday - Shadow Lake Solon Ohio is the property of The Schuman Team and may not be duplicated or used without their written consent. ©July,2010 

Solon Ohio Parks - South Chagrin Reservation

Cleveland has one of the largest Metropark systems in the entire country and Solon is fortunate to have a branch of this system located within our borders. Although many people who live here don't realize it, we actually have a one of the area's best parks here in Solon OH, the South Chagrin Reservation.

Starting at Richmond Road and going East through to the Solon/Bentleyville border, the South Chagrin Reservation is the largest park in Solon OH and offers a plethora of outdoor activities for young and old. For those who enjoy vigorous exercise, there is a 7 mi. paved trail that is perfect for walking, biking and roller blading. The park is also perfect for more relaxing activities such as walking a dog or pushing a stroller. Motorized vehicles are prohibited.

Additional items of interest are a 15 mile bridle trail, picnic areas, and 3 acres of fishing. The stocked lake has been know to contain large-mouth bass, bluegill, and catfish. Special fishing requirements are posted near the lake.  

Some of the trails in the park are easy, yet others are a little more challenging. The South Chagrin Reservation also allows visitors to see some of the local birds and trees, and offers some of the best foliage and some great views in the fall.

Although not officially located in Solon, there is a popular sledding hill located on the corner of Sulphur Springs Drive and Chagrin River Road.  The nice thing about this hill is there is a rope leading up which makes it easier to climb, especially when carrying a sled. There is usually plenty of parking as well. 

The park is actually a fairly quiet place to just get away as well. It is not uncommon to find local business people strolling the park during their lunch hour or taking some time off during the day for a quick jog.

If you are looking for a park and live or work in Solon OH or nearby, check out the South Chagrin Reservation. After just one visit, you will quickly learn why it is considered to be a hidden gem within the heart of our great city.

Below are other articles of interest pertaining to Solon Oh:

Solon - A Special Community

Solon Oh Entertainment - Guide To Children's Birthday Parties

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About The Authors:

Dan and Amy Schuman are Solon OH residents and are health and fitness enthusiasts. They specialize in Solon luxury homes, working with buyers relocating to Solon, and first-time buyers.

For Ohio and Solon OH real estate and homes see Solon real estate

For a personal consultation or to speak directly to The Schuman Team, call 216-346-3235.

VIEW ALL SOLON OH HOMES FOR SALE BY CLICKING BELOW

CHECK OUT THE SCHUMAN TEAM'S AWARD-WINNING WEBSITE

Solon Ohio Parks - South Chagrin Reservation is the property of The Schuman Team and may not be duplicated or used without their written consent. ©July,2010 

Disclaimer: The Schuman Team practices real estate in Ohio. Since many states have different laws and protocol regarding a real estate transaction, we recommend consulting a qualified local legal professional prior to entering into any written agreement. This blog contains observations and opinions related to our first hand experience working with buyers and sellers in Ohio, but should not be construed as legal advice.  Accuracy is not guaranteed.

Solon Ohio Real Estate - Which Area Is Best, How About Central Solon?

For those of us who live here in Solon, there is an ongoing debate about which area of the city is better, the North or South. In fact, a few months ago we actually wrote all about the best area to live in Solon and went into detail, including defining each particular geographic area. If you are trying to get to know the area better, this is definitely worth reading.

Although we are all part of one great community and it is not really divided in a mean-spirited way, there is occasionally some internal joking among residents between the  "North" and "South". However, people who live in the middle of town usually get forgotten, at least until today.

This post will highlight the all important middle of town. Although there is really no specific term locals use for this particular geographic region, we will refer to it here as "Central" Solon. The following map will give you an idea of the area we are referring to:

The central part of the city is often forgotten, but is just as vital as the rest of Solon. It actually contains quite a bit of housing and popular areas of the city. Just minutes away from the highway, "Central" Solon contains important city landmarks such as The Solon Center For The Arts, City Hall, and the Solon Historical Society.

There are other popular destination spots in this area of town including Solon Freeway Lanes, Uptown Solon Shopping Center, which is host to Mustard Seed Market and Cafe, and some of our larger employers such as Nestle.

The central part of town offers a variety of housing for local residents as well. Here, you will find older homes, some on 1/2-1 acre of land, and newer developments built within the last 10 years. People who live in "Central" Solon feel they have the best of both worlds with easy access to popular destinations located in both the North and South. Many popular developments located in this area include:

Chagrin Highlands

Huntington Woods

Thornbury

The award winning Solon City Schools, Solon Rec Center, and Solon Library are also just minutes away from the center of town. "Central" Solon also offers easy access to neighboring communities such as Chagrin Falls, Bainbridge and Twinsburg.

When all is said and done, each geographic area has its benefits and where in Solon you choose to live is really just personal preference. If you are re-locating to Solon from another state, we recommend learning about Solon as a whole and looking at housing throughout the entire area. As you begin to get a feel for the different neighborhoods and factor in your commute, the question of where to live will usually get answered quickly. If not, finding that special home is often the deciding factor.

As for the debate about which area is best, I don't think that will ever be settled. However, if you speak to those who live in "Central" Solon, they may let those from the "North" and "South" just duke it out for second place as they know which area is really the best.

Below are other articles of interest pertaining to Solon Oh Real Estate:

Solon - A Special Community

Money Magazine Ranks Solon Top Places To Live

Newsweek Ranks Solon On Top Schools List

Solon Schools

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About The Authors:

Dan and Amy Schuman are Solon OH residents. They specialize in Solon luxury homes, working with buyers relocating to Solon, and first-time buyers.

For Ohio and Solon OH real estate and homes see Solon real estate

For a personal consultation or to speak directly to The Schuman Team, call 216-346-3235.

VIEW ALL SOLON OH HOMES FOR SALE BY CLICKING BELOW

CHECK OUT THE SCHUMAN TEAM'S AWARD-WINNING WEBSITE

Solon Ohio Real Estate - Which Area Is Best, How About Central Solon? is the property of The Schuman Team and may not be duplicated or used without their written consent. ©July,2010 

Disclaimer: The Schuman Team practices real estate in Ohio. Since many states have different laws and protocol regarding a real estate transaction, we recommend consulting a qualified local legal professional prior to entering into any written agreement. This blog contains observations and opinions related to our first hand experience working with buyers and sellers in Ohio, but should not be construed as legal advice.  Accuracy is not guaranteed. 

Solon OH Real Estate  Solon OH Real Estate For Sale 6545 Duneden Ave

  JUST LISTED

GREAT LOCATION, UPDATED AND WELL-MAINTAINED!

This is a tastefully updated and lovingly maintained Colonial in a highly desirable neighborhood. The much sought after floor plan has an updated kitchen and dinette open to a large family room. There are numerous updates throughout including a new furnace, AC and hot water heater. The eat-in kitchen with new cabinetry and Corian counters also includes all the appliances.  The Master Bedroom has its own private remodeled master bath and walk-in closet, a rarity for this neighborhood. The finished lower level offers tremendous opportunities as it has a rec room, office, and bonus full bath. The first floor laundry room is huge and has tons of storage. The landscaped back yard is unusually large and has a deck with a built-in gas grill. This home is close in proximity to the highly acclaimed Solon schools, shopping, library, Solon Rec Center, and more. If you are looking for a high quality home with a great use of space, 6545 Duneden would be a perfect place to call home.

 Offered at $225,000

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About The Authors:

Dan and Amy Schuman are Solon OH residents. They specialize in Solon luxury homes, working with buyers relocating to Solon, and first-time buyers.

For Ohio and Solon OH real estate and homes see Solon real estate

For a personal consultation or to speak directly to The Schuman Team, call 216-346-3235.

VIEW ALL SOLON OH HOMES FOR SALE BY CLICKING BELOW

CHECK OUT THE SCHUMAN TEAM'S AWARD-WINNING WEBSITE

Solon OH Real Estate For Sale is the property of The Schuman Team and may not be duplicated or used without their written consent. ©July,2010 

 Solon OH Luxury Homes -Bi-Annual Market Report 2010

Here is our official bi-annual market report for Solon Luxury Homes complete with a comparison to 2009. Commentary will be given after the following Solon luxury home statistics. 

Please keep in mind that in the Cleveland real estate market, the definition of a luxury home is one that sells for at least $500,000.

Here are all luxury homes that sold in Solon during the first half of 2010:

FIRST HALF OF 2010 VS. FIRST HALF 2009 COMPARISON

Luxury Sales     # of Homes Sold        Ave. Sales Price              Ave. Days on Market

2010                        14                      $627,304                             181

2009                        18                      $619,981                             128 

Highest Sale = $1,174,900

Commentary:

The first half of 2010 was similar to the same time period in 2009. Although there were not as many sales, the average sales price is higher so far this year. The main difference between this year and last is there are not as many bank owned or distressed sales, which may be the reason the average sales price is higher this year.

The $500,000-$700,000 price point is still the most popular for luxury home buyers in Solon. Very few sales have occurred over this price although we did recently have 1 sale over $1,000,000. Whether this is a sign of things to come or an aberration is yet to be determined.

Demand for high end homes in Solon is usually met by both local move up buyers and those relocating to Solon from out of of the area. With the state of the economy still up in the air, many local buyers have decided to stay where they are for now instead of moving forward on a major purchase. Some local buyers though are feeling more comfortable buying before selling as prices seem to have stabilized making it easier to sell an existing home.

In terms of relocation buyers, fewer large companies are hiring, meaning less executives coming into the area. While there are still plenty of people moving to Solon and buying luxury homes, the numbers are not where they were 4-6 years ago. With inventories of luxury homes here being fairly high ( we currently have a 2 year supply of luxury homes ), buyers have a wide selection to choose from and are getting very good deals.

From a pure financial standpoint, moving up in a down market does make sense, and with rates at their all-time lows, buying a bigger home in Solon has never been more affordable.

Below are past articles that relate to the content of this post.  

2009 Year End Luxury Market Report Solon Ohio

Solon Agent Receive Luxury Home Designation

2008 Luxury Market Report Solon Ohio

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About The Authors:

Dan and Amy Schuman are Solon residents. They specialize in Solon luxury homes, working with buyers relocating to Solon, and first-time buyers.

If you are looking to buy or sell a home in Solon or the surrounding Eastern suburbs, please contact the Schuman Team.

For a personal consultation or to speak directly to The Schuman Team, call 216-346-3235.

VIEW ALL SOLON LUXURY HOMES FOR SALE BY CLICKING BELOW

CHECK OUT THE SCHUMAN TEAM'S AWARD-WINNING WEBSITE

Solon OH Luxury Homes -Bi-Annual Market Report 2010 is the property of The Schuman Team and may not be duplicated or used without their written consent. ©Jan,2010

Solon OH Real Estate - Bi-Annual Market Report 2010

The year is now half over, allowing us to compose our very popular Bi-Annual Market Report for Solon real estate. We will begin by listing all homes that sold in Solon in June and follow with a summary for June and state of the market for the first half of 2010.

Here are all the homes that sold in Solon in June, 2010:

SUMMARY:

June, as expected, was fairly busy. We saw a total of 27 homes sell last month with an average sales price of $355,428. Last June was a huge month, with 45 home sales in Solon at an average sales price of $324,317.

While last month did not quite live up to the incredible June we had in 2009, it was still a great month. We saw a decent number of moderately priced homes transfer last month, some most likely a result of the home buyer tax credit.  Keeping in mind that the tax credit focused on first time buyers, and thus typically lower priced homes, Solon probably wasn't a suburb that was boosted by the credit as much as some of the inner-ring suburbs.

On a side note, nationwide, it was reported that approximately 180,000 home buyers qualified for the home buyer tax credit but were not able to close on time. Therefore, the deadline for closing has consequently been extended to September 30, allowing for people to get their financing in order so they can tax advantage of the credit.

MID YEAR REVIEW

Through the first half of the year, we have had a total of 100 home sales in Solon compared to 112 at this time last year. The average sales price of a home in Solon so far this year is $297,931 compared to $291,212 in 2009.

While 2009 saw about 2 extra sales per month, the average sales price in 2010 is good news. While we cannot say for certain that the market is appreciating, statistics indicate that prices may have at least stabilized.

The Solon luxury home market saw very similar figures, less sales and higher average sales price compared to 2009.

We are seeing more move up buyers take the leap of faith to buy bigger homes here in Solon. Perhaps they feel more comfortable with the economy, or maybe these buyers realize that moving up in a down market makes financial sense, especially with rates so low.

Housing inventories, there are currently 210 single family homes for sale in Solon, have been fairly normal during the first part of 2010 and we don't anticipate seeing a dramatic change. Moving forward, summer and fall are still good months to put your home for sale and historically low interest rates make buying a home in Solon extremely favorable.

Regardless of the overall market in Cleveland,  the Solon School system is a major draw for those relocating to the Cleveland area, and the city services and amenities will continue to make Solon a great choice for those buying a home here. 

Below Are Other Articles Of Interest Relating To Solon OH real estate:

Solon OH Real Estate - Monthly Home Statistics April 2010

Solon Real Estate - Monthly Home Statistics March 2010

Solon Luxury Homes - Year In Review 2009

Solon real estate - year in review 2009

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About The Authors:

Dan and Amy Schuman are Solon OH residents. They specialize in Solon luxury homes, working with buyers relocating to Solon, and first-time buyers.

For Ohio and Solon OH real estate and homes see Solon real estate

For a personal consultation or to speak directly to The Schuman Team, call 216-346-3235.

VIEW ALL SOLON OH HOMES FOR SALE BY CLICKING BELOW

CHECK OUT THE SCHUMAN TEAM'S AWARD-WINNING WEBSITE

Solon OH Real Estate - Bi-Annual Market Report 2010 is the property of The Schuman Team and may not be duplicated or used without their written consent. ©July,2010 

SOLON HOME DAYS 2010

JULY 22-JULY 25, 2010

Solon Home Days will be better than ever this year with games, entertainment, and a huge contest, all topped off with a spectacular fireworks show Sunday evening. The 12th annual Home Days festival will once again be held in the main parking lot of the Solon Community Park, located at 6679 SOM Center Road. Parking is available in the parking lot on Portz Parkway and also down the street at the Solon Rec Center.

This years theme is Hollywood and you will be sure to see some of your favorite characters throughout the weekend. There will be fun for kids of all ages, as well as adults. Here is just a small list of events that will take place:

*     Rides

*     Games and Contests

*     Live Entertainment - Including Arrival, the Journey Tribute Band, on Friday evening

*     "Closest to the Pin Contest"

*     Magicians and Clowns

*     Food and Fun Expo

*     First ever "Cornhole Tournament"

Solon Home Days is a yearly event that brings fun and a sense of community to Solon during the summer. All Solon residents are encouraged to attend and non-residents are invited as well. There is always something special about attending Home Days as it serves as a reminder of how truly special it is to live in Solon.

Home Days wouldn't be possible without the support of the City and the many local business sponsors, so please be sure to thank them and give them support if possible.

Home Days opens at 5PM on Thursday and Friday, and 1PM on Saturday and Sunday. Specific information is available below:

Detailed schedule of events for Solon Homes Days 2010

Here are other articles of interest pertaining to Solon:

Solon - A Special Community

Money Magazine Ranks Solon Top Places To Live

Newsweek Ranks Solon On Top Schools List

Solon Schools

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About The Authors:

Dan and Amy Schuman are Solon OH residents. They specialize in Solon luxury homes, working with buyers relocating to Solon, and first-time buyers.

For Ohio and Solon OH real estate and homes see Solon real estate

For a personal consultation or to speak directly to The Schuman Team, call 216-346-3235.

VIEW ALL SOLON OH HOMES FOR SALE BY CLICKING BELOW

CHECK OUT THE SCHUMAN TEAM'S AWARD-WINNING WEBSITE

Solon Home Days 2010 is the property of The Schuman Team and may not be duplicated or used without their written consent. ©July,2010   

Solon Ohio Real Estate - Dealing With A Low Ball Offer  

Low ball offers are part of the home selling process. I know it's not what home sellers here in Solon OH want to hear, but it's the truth. So, since dealing with low offers is as much a part of the home selling process as home staging or marketing, you need to be prepared to handle the inevitable. This post will help you deal with low ball offers and give you tips on turning them into a successful sale.

To begin, let's address why someone would consider the "low ball" strategy of negotiating. Although much more common in a down market, many buyers feel like they simply must see if they can get a steal on a home. Buyers often hear about the great "deal" that a friend or family member got on their recent home purchase and want to create a similar story for themselves. Many buyers simply want to see what they can get away with and feel that they can always go up if their offer isn't accepted. 

We always warn our Solon home selling clients ahead of time to expect these low ball offers, so they are properly prepared.  However, those sellers that are not ready to address a low offer will be in for a very rude awakening and may end up missing out on a golden opportunity to sell their home.

So, that being said, here are some simple tips for dealing with a "low ball" offer:

     1.  Don't Take It Personally - This is a business transaction and letting your emotions take over can do more harm than good.

     2.  Remember, This Is Just An Initial Offer - Don't focus on where the buyer starts because the only thing that really matters is where they end up.

     3.  Take Every Offer Seriously - You never know when another offer is going to come and how much it will be for, so try to make every offer work.

     4.  Counter - Some sellers refuse to respond to a low offer, but this is a poor tactic and may cause you to lose a buyer who was prepared to eventually give you an acceptable price.

     5.  Be Patient - Some buyers simply want to negotiate and expect to go back and forth a lot. Stay calm and focus on the big picture --- to get your home sold.

With a good attitude, a little bit of patience, and a good listing agent, a seller can easily turn a low ball offer into an accepted contract.

Below are other articles of interest pertaining to Solon:

Money Magazine Ranks Solon Top Places To Live

Newsweek Ranks Solon On Top Schools List

Solon - A Special Community

Solon Schools

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About The Authors:

Dan and Amy Schuman are Solon OH residents. They specialize in Solon luxury homes, working with buyers relocating to Solon, and first-time buyers.

For Ohio and Solon OH real estate and homes see Solon real estate

For a personal consultation or to speak directly to The Schuman Team, call 216-346-3235.

VIEW ALL SOLON OH HOMES FOR SALE BY CLICKING BELOW

CHECK OUT THE SCHUMAN TEAM'S AWARD-WINNING WEBSITE

Solon OH Real Estate - Dealing With A Low Ball Offer is the property of The Schuman Team and may not be duplicated or used without their written consent. ©July,2010   

Solon OH Real Estate - Finding Property Lines Made Easy

As Solon OH real estate agents, we are often asked by our clients about the property lines of a given home.  Knowing that a home sits on .54 acres is one thing, but seeing a potential home's property lines in relation to the neighboring homes can be helpful for those buying a home in Solon.

We have shown 100's of homes in Solon and buyers consistently ask us questions regarding property lines and dimensions. Sometimes you can look at a lot and get a pretty good feel just from a visual inspection but nothing replaces having specific information. For those buying a home in Solon, there is a great free tool at your disposal to get geographic information about a property, yet very few know anything about it.

The Solon GIS system is extremely helpful and also user-friendly, so non-technical people can navigate their way through it and get answers to their questions.

If you want detailed property or geographic information, check out this incredible system, which is located on the Solon City website. It will show you just about anything you want to know about the geography of a particular property or subdivision.  All you have to do is simply log on the Solon City website, www.solonohio.org, go to the left hand column, and toward the bottom, you will see the heading Planning. The link to the GIS system is just below this. Or, to make things easier:

THIS LINK WILL TAKE YOU DIRECTLY TO THE GIS SYSTEM

Once there, you will have to click on the wording Launch Solon GIS Map Viewer to actually get into the system.

We highly suggest that you take the tutorial as well.

Please note that nothing can replace having a survey done on a home to get exact property boundaries. However, this system will at least give you a pretty good idea of the property lines of any Solon OH property and you will be able to get this information very quickly.

Below are other articles of interest pertaining to Solon OH real estate:

Solon Ohio A Special Community

Relocating To Solon

Why Use A Local Agent When Relocating To Solon

Solon Ohio Bank Owned Homes

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About The Authors:

Dan and Amy Schuman are Solon OH residents. They specialize in Solon luxury homes, working with buyers relocating to Solon, and first-time buyers.

For Ohio and Solon OH real estate and homes see Solon real estate

For a personal consultation or to speak directly to The Schuman Team, call 216-346-3235.

VIEW ALL SOLON OH HOMES FOR SALE BY CLICKING BELOW

CHECK OUT THE SCHUMAN TEAM'S AWARD-WINNING WEBSITE

Solon OH Real Estate - Finding Property Lines Made Easy is the property of The Schuman Team and may not be duplicated or used without their written consent. ©June,2010  

Cambridge Park of Solon Ohio

The following is a brief description of Cambridge Park of Solon, also known by some locals as Windy Hill, compliments of the Schuman Team, Solon residents for over 10 years.

Cambridge Park of Solon OH is a small subdivision located off Bainbridge Road, east of Liberty Road. Cambridge Park is near the eastern border of the city, located within a few miles of the Solon Recreation Center, Solon Community Park, and nearby shopping.

There are only 41 homes located in this fairly upscale development which consists of 3 streets, Windy Hill, Laura Lane, and Suzanne Lane. Homes in Cambridge Park were built mainly in the mid 1990's.

The distinguishing feature of this somewhat secluded Solon neighborhood is the semi-wooded 1 acre lots. For those looking for a newer home on land in Solon, Cambridge Park is a good option. The exteriors of homes here are mainly brick and vinyl with mature landscaping found throughout the development. While most homes are colonial in style, with all bedrooms on the second floor, there are a few custom built ranches for those wanting one floor living. 

Homes in Cambridge Park of Solon typically have 4 bedrooms and either a 2 or 3 car garage. They range in size between 3000-4000 sqare feet.  Most homes in this development have at least 2 1/2 baths and features such as a glamour master bath, complete with dual sinks and walk-in closets, 2 story foyer, kitchen opening into a great room, and vaulted ceilings. The floor plans are fairly open and modern, and many of the homes located here have a room that can be used as an office. 

Since Cambridge Park is a relatively small subdivision, there are not usually a lot of homes on the market at any given time. Because homes here are newer and on an acre of land, demand is typically pretty good.  The cost of a home in Cambridge Park is usually between $400,000-$500,000.  

There are sidewalks located throughout Cambridge Park as well, allowing for plenty of outdoor activity. 

Cambridge Park is a more affordable option than buying in a Solon luxury development such as Signature of Solon, Thornbury of Solon, and Chagrin Highlands.

Solon Ohio is consistantly rated as one of the top suburbs in Cleveland and was recently ranked one of the top places to live in the US by Money Magazine. Solon also has one of the top-rated school districts in the nation, making it a popular destination for those relocating to Solon from out of state.

Children who live in Cambridge Park attend the following schools:

Arthur Road Elementary

Orchard Middle School

Solon Middle School

Solon High School

Here are a few other Solon OH developments that are comparable to Windy Hill:

Heritage Estates

Huntington Woods

Preserve

Timber Trails

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About The Authors:

Dan and Amy Schuman are Solon OH residents. They specialize in Solon luxury homes, working with buyers relocating to Solon, and first-time buyers.

For Ohio and Solon OH real estate and homes see Solon real estate

For a personal consultation or to speak directly to The Schuman Team, call 216-346-3235.

VIEW ALL SOLON OH HOMES FOR SALE BY CLICKING BELOW

CHECK OUT THE SCHUMAN TEAM'S AWARD-WINNING WEBSITE

Cambridge Park of Solon Ohio is the property of The Schuman Team and may not be duplicated or used without their written consent. ©June,2010