Cleveland Real Estate And More

Understanding Short Sale Transactions | A Guide to Short Sale Facts & Myths

Dan and Amy Schuman,e-Pro,ASP (Keller Williams Realty Greater Cleveland) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:02:16 -0400

This post was written by one of our peers, Bill Gassett. He is one of the nations top producing real estate agents and services short sales in Metrowest Massachusetts. We wanted to share this post with those looking to get more information on Cleveland OH short sales as we feel it is very well written and will provide you with a great foundation regarding a short sale transaction. For a personal consultation or to speak directly to The Schuman Team, call 216-346-3235.

Via Bill Gassett Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate (RE/MAX Executive Realty):

Understanding Short Sale Transactions | A Guide to Short Sale Facts & Myths

A short sale unfortunately has become a common buzz word in the Real Estate industry. For those that have been hearing the term "short sale" and don't quite understand what it means, a short sale is a legal lender approved solution designed to assist a home owners who is financially strapped to get out from under their mortgage debt.

A short sale is negotiated through the mortgage holder of an owners home where by the mortgage holder agrees to take less than what home owner owes on the property.

A quick example of a short sale would be if a home owner owes $400,000 on their current mortgage and their home is only worth $350,000. The lender in this example would agree to take a short fall of $50,000 at closing.

In some cases the mortgage holder may completely wipe out the debt and the home owner does not have to repay the 50,000. Many lenders may require a seller to sign a note and repay the debt over a certain amount of time. Typically the debt will be reduced and the owner may receive favorable repayment terms of the short fall.

There is quite a bit to know about short sales from both a buyer's and seller's perspective. I have been successfully been completing Massachusetts short sales over the last three years. In fact (knock on wood) I have never had a short sale that did not get approved! Successfully completing a short sale is about understanding the process.

Many consumers make extremely poor choices by working with Real Estate agents that don’t have a lick of experience with getting short sales approved. Picking a good short sale Realtor is critical to your success.

The following is a number of specific topics about short sale transactions that you would want to be aware of if you are planning to either buy or sell one of these types of distressed properties.

Stop making mortgage payments during a short sale? ~ Whether or not a home owner should continue to make mortgage payments is a common question that many sellers want to know when considering a short sale. The most common answer to this question is YES, however it really depends on the lender! Click the link to understand all the considerations.

Picking the right short sale Realtor ~ Picking a Realtor to work with in a short sale is very different than a traditional transaction. You want to work with an agent that has experience successfully closing this type of transaction. Remember as a seller you could potentially be facing a foreclosure. There are many mistakes that are made by agents handling short sales. Don't get caught with your pants down!

Questions to ask a short sale listing agent ~ If you are thinking about buying a short sale there are some specific questions you can ask the listing agent to determine the probability that the short sale will be approved or not. These short sale questions will also help determine if the Realtor handling the short sale knows what they are doing!

Acceptable hardships for a short sale ~ On many occasions when doing a short sale the lender is going to require some kind of hardship on the part of the seller. Short sale hardships however, have become less rigid recently and some lenders are becoming more concerned strictkly on whether the short sale would benefit them more than a foreclosure sale.

Short sale tax consequences ~ Understanding the tax consequences in a short sale is one of the most important considerations for a home seller. Whether the short sale home was a primary residence or an investment property can have different tax implications.

Getting short sale debt released ~ Getting the debt released on a short sale is obviously a very big deal. Many Realtors that are working with short sales don't have any knowledge of how to get the debt released. A seller needs to pay particular attention to this detail as you can expect to be hearing from a collection agency without it!

When to do a short sale home inspection ~ This topic is important to understand from both a buyer's and seller's perspective. A home inspection should be done before short sale approval and NOT after. Read the article to understand why it benefits both the buyer and seller to do so.

Strategic default vs short sale ~ There are many home owners who are deciding just to walk away from their homes. Fannie Mae has started to crack down on this practice and is now penalizing borrowers from getting a mortgage for up to seven years! A perfect alternative to a strategic default is a short sale.

These articles were published on my Massachusetts Real Estate blog where I talk about numerous topics that are important to consumers who may be thinking about buying or selling Real Estate.

I am successfully completing short sales through out the Metrowest Massachusetts area. So far, knock on wood, I have a 100% success rate for short sale approval! If you need to complete a Massachusetts short sale please feel free to get in touch.

If you are outside of the Metrowest Massachusetts area and need to do a short sale please give me a call or email and I would be happy to refer you to a Realtor in your location that handles short sales and knows what they are doing! I have referred short sales to other Realtors all around the country.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

About the Author: The above Real Estate information on understanding short sale transactions was provided by Bill Gassett, a Nationally recognized leader in his field. Bill can be reached via email at billgassett@remaxexec.com or by phone at 508-435-5356.

Have a home to sell in Metrowest Mass? I have a passion for Real Estate and love to share my marketing expertise!

For Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate and homes see Massachusetts Real Estate. Want to have MLS access to beat other buyers to your dream home? Sign up with no obligation at my MLS Property Finder Site.

I service short sales in the following towns in and around Metrowest Massachusetts: Hopkinton, Milford, Upton, Southboro, Westboro, Ashland, Holliston, Mendon, Northboro, Shrewsbury, Hopedale, Medway, Grafton, Northbridge, Uxbridge, Franklin, Framingham and Douglas MA.

Click here to view Bill Gassett's Real Estate profile.

Subscribe in a reader

SUBSCRIBE TO MY METROWEST HOMES BLOG via email.

Building lasting relationships by helping people move in and out of Metrowest Massachusetts for the last 24 years.

Wordless Wednesday - Shadow Lake Solon Ohio

Dan and Amy Schuman,e-Pro,ASP (Keller Williams Realty Greater Cleveland) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:00:36 -0400

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.

********************************************************************************************

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

Cleveland OH Real Estate - Relocating To Cleveland: The Complete Guide Part 1

Dan and Amy Schuman,e-Pro,ASP (Keller Williams Realty Greater Cleveland) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:45:26 -0400

Cleveland OH Real Estate - Relocating To Cleveland: The Complete Guide Part 1

So, you've just found out you are relocating to Cleveland Ohio. Like most people in your situation, you are probably going through a wide range of emotions. You are also beginning to realize how much work you have to do to prepare for your big move. This guide was designed to help alleviate the stress that comes with relocating and to provide sound advice.

WHY ARE WE PROVIDING THIS GUIDE?

We personally relocated to Cleveland almost 15 years ago and know exactly what you are going through. We understand how stressful moving to a new city can be, especially if you don't know a lot of people, and we wanted to provide some help and friendly advice. So, take a deep breath, try to relax and let us help you put together a successful game plan so you can have a smooth transition when relocating to your new home, Cleveland, Ohio.

ABOUT CLEVELAND

First things first, since you are moving to Cleveland, you should learn a little bit about one of Ohio's largest cities. Overall, Cleveland is known as offering its residents the amenities of a big city but with the feel of a small town. The people here are also very welcoming to outsiders, willing to extend you our Midwestern hospitality. We are confident that in time, once you get to know all the fantastic things Cleveland has to offer, you will become excited to be a part of our community.

Cleveland has a rich history and has been named an All-America City on several occasions over the past twenty years. It also boasts many historic landmarks and cultural institutions such as Terminal Tower, Cleveland Grays Armory, The West Side Market, Severance Hall, The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Botanical Garden, and the Cleveland Metropolitan Parks System (more commonly known around town as "the Metroparks") which includes the Cleveland Zoo. Cleveland is also home to 3 major sports teams and numerous minor league teams as well.

There are a ton of things that are great about Cleveland, such as the cost of living, culture, shopping and lack of traffic compared to big cities. In fact, here is our complete list of our top 10 things that are great about Cleveland.

So now that you have learned a little bit about our town, on to the task at hand, your upcoming relocation to Cleveland.

STEP 1 - ADDRESS YOUR HOUSING NEEDS

A major step in the relocation process is finding a place to live in Cleveland. Do you want to live on the East side or West side? Are you going to rent or buy? What can you get for your money here in Cleveland? Cleveland has some great housing options, but you'll need someone to guide you through the process.

We highly recommend hiring a real estate agent to help you find suitable housing. This person, especially if you don't have a lot of contacts in Cleveland, will be relied on for more than just housing too. They will be your tour guide, friend, and in general, a valuable resource for everything, not just real estate. You may need to find specific information on schools, doctors for your children, places to board your pet, restaurants and shopping, so a good local agent will play a critical part in a successful move.

When we moved here in the mid 90's, we were very fortunate and grateful to find a fantastic agent to help us with our move. She was so valuable to everything we did and we are still friends with her to this day.

If you are relocating to Cleveland, you will have 2 options when it comes to finding a real estate agent:

1. your company, if assisting in the move, will find you an agent on your behalf.

2. find one on your own

If your company is handling your move, be cautious as relocation companies don't always match relocating clients with an agent who is a great match. Sometimes a company merely assigns an agent based on seniority or production without really giving thought to specific needs of the person being relocated. Even if your company is coordinating everything for you, the choice of which real estate agent to use is still up to you.

If you are on your own to find an agent, do some research and choose wisely. Getting names of agents from friends or family is helpful. You can also find some great information on line. No matter who you hire, it is important to define what you want in an agent and what you expect of their services. This way, when you can contact them, you can be sure to ask the right questions to make sure they are a good fit.

Once you have decided on an agent, it is now time for step 2, Where To Live in Cleveland. This will be made available in a few days, so please keep reading our blog.

Here are a few helpful articles pertaining to relocating to Cleveland OH:

Cleveland Ohio relocation - Important Contact Information

Buying A Home In Cleveland - The Complete Guide

Cleveland Ohio Private Schools

******************************************************************************************

About The Authors:

Dan and Amy Schuman reside on the East side of Cleveland. They specialize in luxury homes, working with buyers relocating to Cleveland, and first-time buyers.

For Ohio and Cleveland OH real estate and homes see Cleveland Oh real estate.

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

SEE ALL CLEVELAND OH AREA HOMES FOR SALE BY CLICKING BELOW:

CHECK OUT THE SCHUMAN TEAM'S AWARD-WINNING WEBSITE

Cleveland OH Real Estate - Relocating To Cleveland: The Complete Guide Part 1 is the property of The Schuman Team and may not be duplicated or used without their written consent. ©July2010

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.

Relocating To Cleveland OH - Helping Children Adjust To A Move

Dan and Amy Schuman,e-Pro,ASP (Keller Williams Realty Greater Cleveland) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 09:25:39 -0400

Relocating To Cleveland OH - Helping Children Adjust To A Move

Relocating to a new area is an exciting yet stressful event, especially when children are involved. If the kids are real young, some of these things are not too relevant. However, older children can be affected by moving to a new area. Here are some tips on helping kids adapt to the big move:

1. Show the children the new home prior to moving. It also helps if they can pick out their new room and even choose a new paint color or theme so they can personalize their new "space".

2. Make a scrapbook of the old home and neighborhood.

3. Throw a good-bye party. At the party have their friends sign a t-shirt and take lots of pictures.

4. Buy the kids a special house warming present, something to make them excited about the move.

5. Take your children to see their new school, and get to know the local area.

6. Meet a few kids in your new neighborhood. Invite them over to play with your children.

7. Let your children choose a new favorite restaurant or store. This will help them feel in control of their new world.

8. Encourage them to send letters about their new home to their friends. Maybe even invite an old friend to visit once you get settled in.

9. Involve your children in groups, sports, and activities like the ones they used to participate in. Staying in some sort of routine can be helpful.

10. Spend a lot of time with your children after the move. Be in tune to their feelings.

Moving affects adults and children differently. Even though children are pretty resilient and adaptable, they still need a lot of attention during a major event in their lives, such as a move to a new area. Being in tune to their needs during this transition will make things much more enjoyable for everyone.

****************************************************************************************

About The Authors:

Dan and Amy Schuman reside on the East side of Cleveland. They specialize in luxury homes, working with buyers relocating to Cleveland, and first-time buyers.

For Ohio and Cleveland OH real estate and homes see Cleveland Oh real estate.

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

SEE ALL CLEVELAND OH AREA HOMES FOR SALE BY CLICKING BELOW:

CHECK OUT THE SCHUMAN TEAM'S AWARD-WINNING WEBSITE

Relocating To Cleveland OH - Helping Children Adjust To A Move is the property of The Schuman Team and may not be duplicated or used without their written consent. ©April2009

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.

Cleveland Ohio Private Schools

Dan and Amy Schuman,e-Pro,ASP (Keller Williams Realty Greater Cleveland) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:50:35 -0500

Cleveland Ohio Private Schools

Working with a great number of people relocating to Cleveland, we are often asked about schools. While most are extremely impressed with our area public schools, some still have an interest in learning more about private schools in the Cleveland area. So, with that in mind, we have decided to compile a fairly comprehensive list of Cleveland area private schools, with links to each one.

The nice thing about this list is that unlike most lists of schools you may find while searching on line, you will not find ads or pop-ups, simply direct links to these schools.

We have divided the list geographically, for your convenience.

East Side Cleveland Private Schools:

Agnon - early childhood, K-8

Beaumont School - Girls only

Benedictine High School

Gilmour Academy - K-12

Hathaway Brown - Girls only K-12, co-ed early childhood

Hawken School - preschool-12, co-ed

Laurel School - Girls only

Ratner School - 20mos.-K, 1-8

Regina High School - Girls only

Ruffing Montessori - toddler-8

St Peter Chanel High School

University School - Boys only, 2 locations, K-8 in Shaker, 9-12 in Hunting Valley

West Side Cleveland Private Schools:

Cleveland Central Catholic - 9-12

Holy Name High School

Lake Ridge Academy - K-12

Lawrence School - co-ed 1-12, for students with learning differences and attention deficits

Magnificat High School - Girls only

Padua Franciscan High School

Saint Ignatius High School

St. Edward High School

Trinity High School

Urban Community School - Elementary

Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School

South Side Cleveland Private Schools:

Walsh Jesuit High School

Western Reserve Academy - boarding and day school, 9-12 in Hudson

******************************************************************************************

About The Authors:

This information is provided compliments of Amy and Dan Schuman, The Schuman Team Keller Williams Realty. The Schumans service primarily the Eastern suburbs of Cleveland have worked with numerous professional athletes, business owners, and executives who are relocating to Cleveland. They specialize in the Cleveland Ohio luxury home market and also enjoy working with first-time buyers as well.

If you are looking to buy or sell Cleveland real estate, including the surrounding suburbs, please contact the Schuman Team at 216-346-3235.

SEE ALL CLEVELAND AREA HOMES FOR SALE BY CLICKING BELOW:

CHECK OUT THE SCHUMAN TEAM'S AWARD-WINNING WEBSITE

Cleveland Ohio Private Schools is the property of The Schuman Team and may not be duplicated or used without their written consent. ©Feb2010

Solon Ohio Parks - South Chagrin Reservation

Dan and Amy Schuman,e-Pro,ASP (Keller Williams Realty Greater Cleveland) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:58:18 -0400

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

Solon Schools

********************************************************************************************

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

Cleveland OH Real Estate - How Much Can I Get That Home For?

Dan and Amy Schuman,e-Pro,ASP (Keller Williams Realty Greater Cleveland) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:10:31 -0500

Cleveland OH Real Estate - How Much Can I Get That Home For?

When working with buyers, we are often asked this question and the simple answer is this: we don't know!

I realize it may sound shocking that someone who professes to be a real estate professional would openly admit to not having an answer about something related to real estate, but the answer is complicated.

The final purchase price of a home depends on many variables, the most important being the sellers motivation. However, until the negotiating process has been played out, there really is no way to determine what a seller will accept for their home. In many cases, even the seller doesn't know what they will accept until they have received an offer and crunched the numbers.

I realize that buyers want some level of certainty and would feel more comfortable knowing everything up front. Sure, it would be great if the listing you saw on line read, " great home, priced at $199,999, but the sellers said their bottom line is really $170,000." Unfortunately, it just doesn't work that way. However, we do have some thoughts on finding a home's value that may be helpful.

To begin, market statistics mean alot as they are based on cold hard facts, not opinions. Here are statistics from home sales over the last 6 months in some popular Eastern suburbs here in Cleveland. The figures below show the relationship between average final sales price vs. average final list price:

Beachwood - $278,911 / $299,338 = 93.18%

Moreland Hills - $316,632 / $334,611 = 94.63%

Pepper Pike - $338,072 / $358,562 = 94.29%

Orange - $245,242 / $268,198 = 91.44%

Solon - $287,006 / $306,145 = 93.75%

Twinsburg - $211,594 / $221,345 = 95.59%

Based on the figures above, a home can expect to sell for about 94% of the final list price. The challenge can be to determine whether or not a home is price competitively, where it will likely receive an offer, or if it is overpriced and due to be reduced at some point in the future.

We recommend that you educate yourself on the market by seeing a lot of homes in your price range and follow the status of these homes. At some point, you will have seen enough homes that you will be able to walk into a home and know if it is a good value. However, other buyers will recognize this too, so if you find a great home at a great price, don't delay for risk of losing it.

If you are a buyer expecting to get a home for 20% off list price, it probably won't happen on a home that is the nicest in it's price range. However, if a given home appears grossly overpriced based on comparing it to others you have seen, there certainly may be more negotiation room here.

One thing to note is that some sellers know their home is overpriced but just don't want to lower it. They may be open and expecting to negotiate, so don't let a price keep you from trying to buy a home that you really love.

More important than determining "how much can I get that home for", is using statistics and market knowledge to determine "how much a given home is worth to you", because that is really the question that you should be focusing on and can be answered prior to beginning negotiations.

When all is said and done, learning the market is important and having a knowledgeable agent to guide you throught the process is critical to your home buying success.

*************************************************************************************

About The Authors:

This information is provided compliments of Amy and Dan Schuman, The Schuman Team Keller Williams Realty. The Schumans service both the East and West sides of Cleveland and have worked with numerous professional athletes, business owners, and executives who are relocating to Cleveland. They specialize in the Cleveland Ohio luxury home market and also enjoy working with first-time buyers as well.

If you are looking to buy or sell Cleveland real estate, including the surrounding suburbs, please contact the Schuman Team at 216-346-3235.

SEE ALL CLEVELAND AREA HOMES FOR SALE BY CLICKING BELOW:

CHECK OUT THE SCHUMAN TEAM'S AWARD-WINNING WEBSITE

Cleveland OH real estate - How Much Can I Get That Home For? is the property of The Schuman Team and may not be duplicated or used without their written consent. ©Dec 2009

Moving On Up In Cleveland OH – How the Spread Works for Home Buyers

Dan and Amy Schuman,e-Pro,ASP (Keller Williams Realty Greater Cleveland) — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 11:20:43 -0400

Moving up in a down market can be a great opporunity for many local buyers in the Cleveland area. Below is a really good example of how the numbers add up when buying a larger home today vs. doing it several years ago during the peak of the market.

Via Karen Crowson (Alain Pinel Realtors, Livermore, CA):

Should you wait until the market rebounds to sell your home? And yet, some potential sellers wonder if they’re better off waiting to sell until the market recovers. It really depends upon your ultimate goals of course, but if you’re at a stage where you need a larger home, then read on.

This week at our local marketing meeting we had a Mid Year Market Review. One of the broker panelists talked about this being one of the best move-up markets EVER! Let’s talk more about that. What makes it so?

Low, low prices! Very few areas of the country have been immune to the decline in values. And for many areas (especially those with the first and steepest declines), have stabilized and even ticked up slightly during the spring selling season while anxious buyers worked to comply with the First Time Home Buyer’s credit.

Low, low interest rates! There was rumor that interest rates would tick back up after the first quarter of the year, and that has not come about. Instead, we’ve seen rates dip, to unbelievable levels.

Do the math. Low prices and low interest rates in turn bring lower rates on insurance premiums and lower property taxes. When those variables are combined, you have two possible outcomes – either a lower total monthly mortgage payment, or more buying power.

So let’s say that in your location, home prices have declined an average of 25% over the past several years. Back then your house would have been worth $400,000. Let’s use a factor of 7.5% just for example’s sake for commissions plus other costs of selling. And on the purchase side, we’ll use a 2% factor for closing costs.

Your Current Home                             Then Your Home Value Now

$400,000                                                $300,000
-30,000 less costs to sell              -22,500 less costs to sell
370,000 net proceeds                               277,500 net proceeds

Your Move-Up Home Then                 Your Move-Up Home Now

$800000                                                 $600,000
16,000 closing costs                                 12,000 closing costs
816,000 total cost then                    612,000total costs now

The two columns below really illustrate the power of the spread. This is the difference between what the cost of selling and purchasing was at the market peak, compared to what it could be now. The spread really works in your favor in this type of market.

Your Net Then                                          Your Net Now
$816,000 move-up sales price then    $612,000 move-up sales price now
370,000 cash from sale of home       277,500 cash from sale of home
446000 net cost of move-up home then      344,500 net cost of move-up home now

THE SPREAD

$446,000 net cost of move-up home then
344,500 net cost of move-up home now
101,500 less today

That larger house cost you $101,500 less today than it would have before. Not only that, but the cost of owning that home is less over time, considering you can lock in a 30-year fixed rate loan at exceptionally low rates and count on that payment staying at an affordable level. And an added bonus? You’re paying property taxes bases on that lower rate. So if you’re toying with the idea of a larger home, maybe it’s time to run the numbers. Arming yourself with what-if scenarios can help you map out your future, and lay a plan out for success.
Karen Crowson, Realtor®
Alain Pinel Realtors
(925) 784-6208
Karen@KarenCrowsonHomes.com

Tri Valley real estate for buyers and sellers in Livermore, Pleasanton, and Dublin.

I can also help you in the surrounding areas of Alameda County and Contra Costa County including Castro Valley, San Leandro, San Lorenzo, San Ramon, Danville, Brentwood and Mountain House

Cleveland Ohio Real Estate: Top 10 Reasons Why You Will Like Moving To Cleveland

Dan and Amy Schuman,e-Pro,ASP (Keller Williams Realty Greater Cleveland) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 07:50:54 -0400

Cleveland Ohio Real Estate: Top 10 Reasons Why You Will Like Moving To Cleveland

It's been over 13 years since the Schuman Team moved to Cleveland from Washington, DC. At the time, we knew so few people and even less about the area. How could Cleveland, Ohio possibly compare with the beauty and excitement of Washington?

Well, it didn't take very long for us to become attached to the area. During our time here, we've lived in Cleveland Heights, Pepper Pike and now reside in Solon. Along the way, we've discovered why Cleveland is such a great place to live and why we have chosen to call this area "home"

Here is our "top 10" list, in alphabetical order, of why we love Cleveland.

1. Community - Cleveland is a "small big city" where people can move here and quickly feel like they belong.

2. Cost of Living - Where else has so much to offer and such incredibly affordable housing! The choices are unlimited and the prices are right.

3. Culture at your fingertips - You don't have to drive far to access a myriad of excellent museums, theater, or our world class symphony.

4. Fine Dining - Iron Chef Michael Symon's amazing restaurants are only the beginning. We've discovered great places to eat in every neighborhood, both East and West sides.

5. People- Everyone always says that people in the Midwest are nice and friendly and that's especially true here in Cleveland. We have been welcomed with open arms since we came her and we feel like part of the family.

6. Schools - The Northeast Ohio area has some of the top rated schools not only in the state, but the country.

7. Shopping- The Cleveland area has some of the best shopping in the state including stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, and Dillards, and malls such as Beachwood Place and Legacy Village on the East side and Crocker Park on the West side.

8. Sports- It's never a long drive and so many choices for professional teams like the Cavs, Indians,and Browns. Cleveland offer a lot of minor league teams as well.

9. Traffic - Actually the lack of it. No other city we know offers so many amenities without the hassles of big city traffic.

10. Weather - The weather in Cleveland is actually a plus to us. We get 4 real seasons: the spring and summer are incredibly nice, fall is beautiful, and winter can be fun, especially is you like outdoor activities like skiing, sledding, and skating.

If you are relocating to Cleveland, keep an open mind as our city has a lot to offer and perhaps you will one day be calling yourself a proud Clevelander as well.

********************************************************************************************

About The Authors:

This information is provided compliments of Amy and Dan Schuman, The Schuman Team Keller Williams Realty. The Schumans are experts in the Cleveland real estate market and specialize in luxury homes, home staging, and relocation.

If you are looking to buy or sell a home in Cleveland or the surrounding suburbs, please contact the Schuman Team at 216-346-3235.

SEE ALL CLEVELAND REAL ESTATE FOR SALE BY CLICKING BELOW

CHECK OUT THE SCHUMAN TEAM'S AWARD-WINNING WEBSITE

Cleveland OH Real Estate - Bi-Annual Luxury Home Report 2010

Dan and Amy Schuman,e-Pro,ASP (Keller Williams Realty Greater Cleveland) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 23:03:10 -0400

Cleveland OH Real Estate - Bi-Annual Luxury Home Report 2010

Below are luxury home sales statistics for the first 6 months of 2010 in Cleveland, specifically the Eastern suburbs of Cuyahoga County. We also included figures from the first 6 months of 2009 so a comparison can be made. Commentary to follow.

All Sales # Of Homes Sold Ave. Sales Price

YTD 2010 66 $685,707

YTD 2009 59 $661,592

*source NEOHREX ( Regional MLS )

High Sale YTD 2010 = $1,600,000

Commentary - Cleveland OH luxury homes have seen an increase in activity compared to the same period of time last year. Overall sales are up over 10% from last year and the average sales price has increased as well. A majority of sales are in the lower level luxury price range. Here is a break down in terms of price of all sales this year:

Price Range # Of Sales

$500,000-749,999 51

$750,000-999,999 11

$1,000,000+ 4

While our Cleveland bi-annual luxury market report does show improvement from last year, there is still general concern about the overall real estate market, especially with the large inventory of homes currently on the market. Right now there are 296 active luxury home listings, and based on 11 sales per month, that gives us over a 2 year supply of luxury homes on Cleveland's east side. Among these listings are 14 homes listed over $2,000,000.

With all due respect to luxury home sellers, this is great news for buyers and some seem to be taking advantage. We currently have 38 luxury homes under contract, many priced over $1,000,000. Also, rates will continue to be low, making the purchase of a luxury home even more attractive. Moving forward, we anticipate luxury home sales to be slightly higher in 2010 then they were last year.

Below are other articles of interest pertaining to the Cleveland luxury home market:

Why Hiring A Luxury Home Agent Is Important

Defining A Luxury Home In Cleveland

Local Agent Receives Luxury Home Designation

Solon OH Luxury Home Report 2009

***************************************************************************************

About The Authors:

Dan and Amy Schuman reside on the East side of Cleveland. They specialize in luxury homes, working with buyers relocating to Cleveland, and first-time buyers.

For Ohio and Cleveland OH real estate and homes see Cleveland Oh real estate.

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

SEE ALL CLEVELAND OH AREA HOMES FOR SALE BY CLICKING BELOW:

CHECK OUT THE SCHUMAN TEAM'S AWARD-WINNING WEBSITE

Cleveland OH Real Estate - Bi-Annual Luxury Home Report 2010 is the property of The Schuman Team and may not be duplicated or used without their written consent. ©July2010

Real Estate Agents Are Not Just Door Openers - What A Buyer's Agent Really Does

Dan and Amy Schuman,e-Pro,ASP (Keller Williams Realty Greater Cleveland) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 17:37:46 -0400

Real Estate Agents Are Not Just Door Openers- What A Buyer's Agent Really Does

There are a lot of home buyers out there that think real estate agents merely drive people around, unlock doors and let people inside homes. Some even view us as glorified taxi drivers. However, the truth is that during the course of a transaction, we end up "wearing many hats" as the process is quite complicated. With that in mind, we are writing today to educate home buyers of the many benefits of using a buyer's agent.

Here is just a small list of things a buyer's agent does for their clients:

1. Educate a buyer regarding the home buying process, including explaining fair housing laws and agency relationships.

2. Preview homes in advance and also find "off market" opportunities including"pocket listings" - saving valuable time.

3. Discuss advantages and disadvantages of different types of housing and specific features of homes that may affect resale.

4. Assist with financing.

5. Provide information on schools, neighborhoods and places of interest.

6. Help with market stats.

7. Negotiate offers on buyer's behalf to get them the best price and terms.

8. Explain the home inspection process, provide names of inspectors, and help buyers navigate through the often difficult stages of this step in the home buying process.

9. Ensure contract conditions and deadlines are met.

10. REPRESENT YOUR BEST INTERESTS AT ALL TIMES - BECAUSE THE LISTING AGENT WILL NOT AND CANNOT REPRESENT YOU!

Obviously, though not on the list, we will certainly schedule and show you homes. Before we show you homes though, we always recommend that you meet with us so we can get to know what you are looking for in a home, neighborhood, etc. The more we know about you and your needs, the easier it will be for us to find you that perfect home.

If you are a home buyer that is just calling listing agents of homes you like on line, do yourself a favor and commit to one agent to represent you. Otherwise, you are missing out.

Remember, it does not cost you money to hire a buyer's agent as the seller pays all commission. Also, if you decide to work directly with the listing agent, you will not get representation as that agent will either represent the seller, or if they practice dual agency, neither.

Hopefully, you now have a good understanding of the many things we offer our buyers and you will view us as more than your personal "cab".

Here are other articles of interest pertaining to home buying:

Buying A Home In Cleveland - The Complete Guide

Buying A Home - How To Choose A Neighborhood

Agency in Ohio - Why Using A Buyer's Agent Is Important

****************************************************************************************

About The Authors:

This information is provided compliments of Amy and Dan Schuman, The Schuman Team Keller Williams Realty. The Schumans are residents of Solon OH and have worked with numerous professional athletes, business owners, and executives who are relocating to Cleveland.

If you are looking to buy or sell Cleveland OH real estate, including the surrounding suburbs, please contact the Schuman Team at 216-346-3235.

SEE ALL CLEVELAND OH AREA HOMES FOR SALE BY CLICKING BELOW:

CHECK OUT THE SCHUMAN TEAM'S AWARD-WINNING WEBSITE

Real Estate Agents Are Not Just Door Openers - What A Buyer's Agent Really Does is the property of The Schuman Team and may not be duplicated or used without their written consent. ©July2010

Beachwood OH Real Estate - Bi-Annual Market Report 2010

Dan and Amy Schuman,e-Pro,ASP (Keller Williams Realty Greater Cleveland) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 17:02:40 -0400

Beachwood OH Real Estate - Bi-Annual Market Report 2010

The year is now half over, giving us plenty of data to determine an accurate state of the real estate market here in Beachwood OH. We will first give a list of all homes that sold in Beachwood last month, and then show a monthly and year-to-date comparison to 2009.

Here are all sales in Beachwood for June, 2010:

27500 Cedar #406 $115,000 2553 Richmond Rd $135,000 23606 E Groveland Rd $160,000 25251 Hilltop Dr $176,000 23106 Greenlawn Ave $185,000 25365 Bryden Rd $190,000 2645 Buckhurst Dr $215,000 24017 Woodway Rd $262,000 18 Waterford Ln #A $291,000 22318 Halburton Rd $325,000 26651 Shaker Blvd $365,000 3190 Green Rd $375,000

All Sales # of homes sold Ave. Sales Price

June 2010 12 $232,833

June 2009 18 $274,695

YTD 2010 49 $254,354

YTD 2009 52 $247,446

*source NEOHREX ( Regional MLS )

COMMENTARY:

While last month wasn't as good as June 2009, year-to-date figures suggest that this year is fairly even to last year in terms of actual number of sales. The good news is that the average sales price is slightly higher this year compared to last year. In addition, although not indicated above, the average market time to sell a home in Beachwood so far this year is 100 days compared to 137 days in 2009.

What does this mean? While we anticipated home sales to surge throughout the area in general due to the home buyer tax credit, which expired on June 30th, Beachwood was not an area greatly affected. This is most likely due to the fact that first time buyers, who were the ones most likely taking advantage of the tax credit, were not as likely to buy in Beachwood. The first-time buyers were more likely buying in nearby inner-ring suburbs, where home prices are more affordable.

While it appears the market has stabilized, we don't anticipate seeing sales numbers that we saw during the boom years of 2003-2007 perhaps ever again. The expectations of home buyers and sellers in Beachwood may have to be redefined.

While interest rates are near historic lows, the economy is not totally recovered from the recession. Some economists believe we are still in recovery mode while others see rougher times ahead. In the end, the economy affects major buying decisions, such as housing, and until we see more signs of long-term growth, especially in the unemployment figures, the local housing market will continue to move along slowly.

Below are other articles of interest pertaining to Beachwood OH Market Reports:

Beachwood OH Real Estate - Monthly Market Report April 2010

Beachwood OH Real Estate - Year End Market Statistics 2009

*********************************************************************************************

About The Authors:

Dan Schuman is a proud member of the Beachwood Chamber of Commerce and has served on the Board of Directors for the past 7 years.

The Schuman Team, Amy and Dan Schuman, specialize in luxury homes and work extensively with buyers and sellers who are relocating to Beachwood.

For Ohio and Beachwood OH real estate and homes see Beachwood real estate.

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

VIEW ALL BEACHWOOD AREA HOMES FOR SALE BY CLICKING BELOW:

CHECK OUT THE SCHUMAN TEAM'S AWARD-WINNING WEBSITE

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

Dan and Amy Schuman,e-Pro,ASP (Keller Williams Realty Greater Cleveland) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 12:15:56 -0400

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:

View Central Solon in a larger map

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

********************************************************************************************

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

Solon OH Real Estate - Thornbury of Solon

Dan and Amy Schuman,e-Pro,ASP (Keller Williams Realty Greater Cleveland) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 08:06:34 -0500

Solon OH Real Estate - Thornbury of Solon

Thornbury of Solon is a picturesque luxury home development located in Solon with over 250 newer homes situated on beautiful lots of at least .5 acres.

Thornbury is located toward the easternmost part of Solon. There are 2 entrances to Thornbury, one off Bainbridge Rd and one entrance off Aurora Road. Although it is nestled inside a fairly large development, there is a small neighborhood feel to Thornbury as there is always someone riding a bike, jogging, walking their dog, or just out being friendly. Thornbury is one of the most desirable developments in all of Solon.

All homes in Thornbury of Solon have been built within the last 10 years with some new construction and lots still available. The housing within Thornbury consists mainly of single-family residences but there is a large area of condo/cluster homes as well. Homes in Thornbury range in value from $500,000-$800,000.

One drive through the development will leave no doubt as to why Thornbury is viewed by many as one of the most exclusive luxury developments in Solon. The lush well-manicured lawns, attractive exteriors, and large lots make Thornbury a popular place to live.

Homes here were built with the finest of materials by custom home builders with reputations for excellence such as: Casa Construction, Kimball Hill Homes, Manorbrook Homes, Palmeri Builders, R.A. Young Builders, and Simcon Homes. The fact that so many different builders built in Thornbury make it somewhat unique as no home is alike.

Most of the single-family homes have an open floor plan, impressive 2-story entryway, first floor office, standard living room and dining rooms, gourmet kitchens with top of the line appliances, a 2-story great room and a luxurious master suite located on either the first or second floor. High-end finishes and attention to detail help distinguish Thornbury from other developments. Many homes contain large finished basements with exercise rooms, home theaters, play rooms, and a full bathroom. Some also have additional bedrooms perfect for a nanny or in-law area.

There is also an area of luxury cluster homes located off the Bainbridge entrance that was built by Dinallo and Wittrup Homes, known throughout the Solon area for their quality and attention to detail. Most of these homes have open floor plans, vaulted ceilings, first floor master suites and either a deck or screened-in porch. Most of these homes have 3 bedrooms and are either ranch or colonial in style.

The cluster homes are viewed as lower maintenance living and there is a monthly fee associated to cover landscaping and snowplow.

Thornbury of Solon also has a common playground, walking trail, and sidewalks.

************************************************************************************

About The Authors:

Dan and Amy Schuman are Solon residents. They specialize in luxury homes, working with buyers relocating to Solon, and home staging.

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 HOMES FOR SALE

Check out our award winning website

Solon OH Real Estate - Huntington Woods, A Great Solon Neighborhood

Dan and Amy Schuman,e-Pro,ASP (Keller Williams Realty Greater Cleveland) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 12:58:28 -0500

Solon OH Real Estate - Huntington Woods, A Great Solon Neighborhood

Huntington Woods is a development in Solon, Ohio that offers an ideal location and upscale housing, all within the confines of a friendly neighborhood environment.

LOCATION

Huntington Woods is a very highly sought after development located in the heart of Solon. Huntington Woods has two entrances, one on Bainbridge Road and another off Liberty Road and consists of 72 homes. The development is within close proximity to the new state of the art Solon Recreation Center, The Solon Center for The Arts, Solon's top rated schools, and nearby shopping.

HOUSING

The development was built in 2 phases with homes being constructed between 1989 and 2000. There is a mix of home values within the development, but they generally range in price from $350,000-$500,000. It is a popular neighborhood because the homes are spacious, averaging about 3500 square feet ,and offer modern amenities, open floor plans, and great curb appeal. Most lots within Huntington Woods are about .4 acres. Many of the homes in the development have been upgraded to include granite counters, state of the art appliances, and high-end finishes.

The entire development was built by Dinallo and Wittrup Homes, custom home builders who are know throughout Solon for their high quality and customer satisfaction.

WHY PEOPLE LIKE HUNTINGTON WOODS

Huntington Woods offers good value and an extremely friendly close-knit neighborhood with a lot of kids as well as empty-nester. There are sidewalks throughout the development, which is ideal and safe for area walkers and joggers. People relocating to Solon find it very welcoming and local move-up buyers find the housing and neighborhood to be everything they are looking for in their next home. There is a minimal yearly homeowners association fee for all residences of $60 to cover an annual block party and common areas.

Photo from annual Block Party

Children in Huntington Woods attend the following schools:

Parkside Elementary

Orchard Middle School

Solon Middle School

Solon High School

Location, housing, and amenities make Huntington Woods one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Solon.

**************************************************************************************

About The Authors:

Dan and Amy Schuman are Solon residents. They specialize in luxury homes, working with buyers relocating to Solon, and home staging.

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 HOMES FOR SALE

Check out our award winning website