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Cleveland, OH Real Estate News

By Carole Cohen, Realtor, ePRO
(Howard Hanna Cleveland City Office)
I'm pretty much just going to post this as Bill Callahan and Frank Ford wrote it. Just a few extra thoughts before I do.   The key point to me is that no matter how angry it makes me or all of us, clearly we need to do this. But what we need to do in a quick, band-aid fashion, is a bailout. What should take longer, in my opinion, is the actual restructuring that may occur. We need to make sure that all the necessary checks and balances are in place, that any regulatory changes put into place make sense for the long term.  And as Bill and Frank are pointing out, that they make sense for those of us in our communities. I'm posting this on Active Rain instead of my outside blog because the points they raise are thoughtful, deserve discussion, and might spark some ideas for your own communi...
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By Carole Cohen, Realtor, ePRO
(Howard Hanna Cleveland City Office)
Last year I wrote this post about the proposed Eco Village Cottages  at W. 58th and Pear. It's an exciting project, and this past week it moved closer to fruition and occupancy with a ground breaking ceremony. These homes will meet Leeds standards for energy efficiency, are all of the same design (I think there are five homes). They are part of the Cleveland Land Trust which means they will remain affordable throughout their lifetime. (The Land Trust sells homes at market value but the buyers buy at about 80% of market value). You can read about the Land Trust here.   Green City Blue Lake has an informative post on the Cottages. Here is an excerpt: "....The homes are universally designed, life-cycle homes that allow aging in place. They will include accessibility features such as ramped...
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By Carole Cohen, Realtor, ePRO
(Howard Hanna Cleveland City Office)
Have you ever read a book that stays under your skin and makes you think about it as well as ideas that seem to spawn in your mind because of it? Are you tired of negativity in your city and among your neighbors? Do you feel like you live in a community without the actual community cohesiveness that would be nice? Have you ever wondered to yourself, 'there are so many issues that need to be tackled in my neighborhood and I would love to help but I don't know where to start.' I know I have. And now I've read a book that is both under my skin and causing my mind to go off in what could be some good directions.  What is the book? Instructions from The Cook, written by Cleveland's own George Nemeth (BFD) (@georgenemeth) and Jack Ricchiuto (@DesigningLife.com). You can read about or order In...
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Warning FHA Buyers Interest Rates are Great Today and Effective 10/1/08 it will cost you more  to purchase a home because of the changes in FHA Mortgage Insurance. On a $150,000 FHA Loan All buyers will pay a  $375.00 higher upfront premium. Buyers with 5% or Less down will also pay $6.25 more per month.  When President Bush suspended the implementation of FHA's Tiered Pricing everyone was glad that he placed a One year Moratorium on the Higher MIP Premiums.   Until Mortgage Letter 2008-22 everyone was happy.   With the issuance of the Mortgage Letter the opposite is true.   Instead of coming out with Tiered Pricing, FHA increased the MIP across the board to everyone.   If you are considering a purchase, doing it before Oct 1, 2008 will save you $$$$$$$ Realtors refer to ML 2008-22 Ask ...
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Gary Collins, owner, is committed to providing 100% satisfactory service and making sure his customers understand their dryer vent systems and how to prevent dryer fires                                                              Cleveland, OH -- Gary Collins 56, former Field Service Engineer traded his business suit for a logo-ed uniform to own and operate a Dryer Vent Wizard, Safe Homes, Dry Clothes (DVW), franchise in Greater Cleveland. DVW services help prevent dryer fires, keep dryers functioning properly and provide energy savings through dryer and dryer vent maintenance, cleaning, repair, replacement and alterations. When Collins decided he didn't want to spend the rest of his life living in hotels, he looked into franchising.  Having engineering skills used in his career gave h...
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Gary Collins to service the Greater Cleveland specializing in dryer vent service and educating consumers on preventing dryer fires   Cleveland, OH,- Greg Longe, co-president of Dryer Vent Wizard (DVW), Dry Clothes, Safe Homes, announced the awarding of a DVW franchise in Avon Lake, Ohio.  Local resident and former Field Service Engineer Gary Collins, will service the Greater Cleveland area.   Dryer Vent Wizard, Dry Clothes, Safe Homes is a national franchise company specializing in dryer fire prevention and "urgent response" dryer and dryer vent maintenance, repair, replacement and alterations.                According to the U.S. Fire Administration there are an average of 15,000 dryer fires in the U.S. with an approximate $88 million in property, damage 15 deaths and 400 injuries annu...
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By Kevin Cahill, REALTY Funnels software, 6 Figure Month coaching
(REALean brokered by eXp Realty)
What ever happened to the idea featured in the New York Times in November 2006 regarding the Resurgence in Cleveland?  Here is the article: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/08/realestate/commercial/08cleveland.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=meds%20and%20eds&st=cse&oref=slogin Well, I was chatting with some enlightened friends, and we have an idea!  Case Western Reserve University owns the former Mount Sinai medical campus on the corner of East 105th and MLK Blvd. (Map of area) which could be an incredible mixed use development--retail, residential condominiums, research park, and community center!  Here is a driving tour of the former Mt. Sinai Medical Center campus... super low-tech, but gives you an idea of the locale. Case Western Reserve University needs additional research facilities, and this l...
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By Robin Smith
(Global Entertainment)
WAS I SCAMMED???? I'm living in a rental house that was foreclosed, I received a letter from the Realtor offering a Relocation Program. I was not aware that the house and foreclosed. The representative offer me a cash bonus if I move out by or before August 14, 2008 and do a broom sweep(clear out house, garage of all debris)...I told her that I was handicapped and would have to hire some one to move the landlords personal property that was in the house and the garage, the Realtor said she would mail out an agreement, to fill out and send back ASAP, and I would receive a check. The people I hired to clean out the garage completed the garage the day I spoke to the Realtor .On August 8, 2008 I received the agreement, letter dated August 6, 2008, the agreement was not want we agreed, it sta...
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By Carole Cohen, Realtor, ePRO
(Howard Hanna Cleveland City Office)
Cleveland is divided up into approximately 36 neighborhoods and I think most are aligned with their own community development corporation (CDC). Last time I explored Detroit Shoreway;  now we head Downtown to Historic Gateway.  This is one of my favorite areas. The variety of things to do will blow your mind!!! And like the National statistics, more people are moving into downtown areas to take advantage of car-free, transit oriented development (TOD) living, and all the amenities surrounding the housing. Did you know that one of the first ever shopping malls is in this neighborhood? The Arcade is a magnificent beauty of scrolled ironwork and brass, nothing like our modern day malls, no offense to anyone who is enamored with modern indoor malls. (The photo leading into this post is an i...
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By Carole Cohen, Realtor, ePRO
(Howard Hanna Cleveland City Office)
You know how sometimes you walk through a neighborhood and the energy is almost palpable? I swear you can feel the vibrancy of Detroit Shoreway when you are there. This Thursday we have a Twilight Tour in D/S and you might want to take the opportunity to try out new eateries, shop some galleries, take a zen moment at the Lake shore, and view some open houses, all in the same evening. What could be better? About 17,000 people call this neighborhood home. Cleveland is divided up into CDC neighborhoods, and this one's borders (depending on who you talk to) go from Lorain Avenue to W. 50th to W. 117th and to the Lake. Now some of that area is  claimed by Edgewater Cudell (closer to W. 117th and Clifton) and Ohio City (closer to W. 50th and Franklin.)  But we aren't here to worry about borde...
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By Svetlana Stolyarova, Local-n-Global Realty, Broker 216-548-4663
(Local-n-Global Realty, Cleveland and International Real Estate Solution)
I love the 4th of July! That's my favorite American holiday which is always joy and always pride. Since my family moved to Ohio from Russia in 1999, we started a new family tradition. Every year on 4th of July we go to Blossom Center to listen to band, which performs traditional "the most American music" as one of conductors said, the Ouverture of 1912 by Tchaikovsky. This year we went to downtown Cleveland instead, as it was rainy for Blossom. The next day we visited our favorite African Wild Safari in Catawba and Put-in-Bay - that's always the best way to celebrate my son's birthday. I want to share the beauty and joy of these days with you. Need to sell or buy in Greater Cleveland? Want to have a dedicated Realtor on your side? Please call Svetlana 216-548-4663. Realty@Local-n-Global...
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By Sue Gabriel
                                                                       Today, my husband and I went on a cruise...on Lake Erie! We took the same cruise 3 years ago on our wedding day, so this was our anniversary cruise! Those of you from the Cleveland area already know about the Nautica Queen. For those of you who don't, it's a beautiful little cruise ship that starts out on the Cuyahoga River, ferries out onto Lake Erie and comes back -- total time for the luncheon cruise is 2 hours. And what a fun time!! Great food, great service and a DJ *slash* Tour Guide telling corny jokes along with giving a very informative narrative. Oh yeah, can't forget the Macarena! Ok, so maybe I could've done without that.    Anyway, sitting on the upper deck, with the sun beating down on us and the wind t...
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By Carla Harbert, RE/MAX Omega, Brunswick Ohio
(Full Time REALTOR in Ohio)
  Photos Taken by: Carla HarbertViews of Downtown Cleveland from Lake Erie Waters, close to sunset. I love capturing moments of time, especially when the sun is slowing setting - with hues of color accenting the waters. For those who love the Cleveland Brown's Football - this is a great pic of their stadium.  Cleveland is just full of things to see & do. Thinking of Relocating to Cleveland? Home prices are so reasonable here, in fact, a bargain right now! A great time to buy with so many homes available for sale, along with several terrific loan programs to fit most any buyer. Cleveland, Ohio - I LOVE it!! --Carla
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By Kenneth Milota
(Keller Williams Greater Cleveland West)
I for one am pleased to report that Cleveland Indians pitcher Fausto Carmona is here to stay.As many Indians fans were disappointed to find out about the contract issues with Cy Young award winner CC Sabathia,  Fausto Carmona who seems to be pitching even better currently has just received a contract extension.Carmona will receive 15 million over a 4 year period, and an additional 3 years in club options.Great news finnaly, since in 2007 Carmona went 19-8 with a 3.06 ERA with 32 starts.This deal and many more deals underway by the Cleveland Indians makes the Indians one step closer to a World Series Ring. Not to mention the fact that the big competition Detroit Tigers are currently 1-8 as of April 11, 2008. Go Tribe-  Rally Pie!!Ken Milota440-781-1401KenTheRealtor@GMail.comwww.RealtorKe...
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By Carla Harbert, RE/MAX Omega, Brunswick Ohio
(Full Time REALTOR in Ohio)
It's my pleasure to Welcome YOU! Cleveland, Ohio: full of rich, cultural heritage with affordable housing. In fact, a recent Forbes article tells us that Cleveland was ranked the 4th Best City in the United States to buy a home. Yes, the Cleveland Area has seen its share of the housing slow-down, plus numerous foreclosured, bank-owned homes saturating the market - but many states and major cities have, too. We're no different in that aspect, but Northeast Ohio is blessed to have world-renowned medical and educational facilities. Cleveland prides itself in world-class professional sports teams, the Cleveland Orchestra, numerous museums, large theatre district, 36 unique neighborhoods, natural assets such as Lake Erie & the Cuyahoga River, streams, nature trails, numerous parks, nationall...
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By Carole Cohen, Realtor, ePRO
(Howard Hanna Cleveland City Office)
If I fantasize about myself being a renter, there is one thing for sure: I want enough amenities to make me happy while I am home, to allow me to become a part of my home community and interact with people, but not so many amenities that I don't go out and become a part of the larger community. Does that make sense? I'm also thinking why not brainstorm out of the ordinary tchotchkis for condo complexes as well?Cool article in the Washington Post Thursday on a rental complex called Camden College Park. They are offering some amenities that are not the norm: WiFi, W ii, ipod docks in fitness center, a croquet and bocce ball set up (although they spelled it boccie which I think is wrong, anyone know? lol). Would you like a game room with a poker table? Flat screen televisions in the commun...
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*****Revised 11/11/2008 See http://activerain.com/blogsview/784262/OHIO-FHA-2009-Loan-Limits  ****** FHA has announced the New FHA Loan Limits.   Below is a table that shows those new amounts.  The Current Base FHA Loan Limits Effective 3-5-2008:   One-family Two-family Three-family Four-family $271,050.00 $347,000.00 $419,400.00 $521,250.00   County Name MSA Name One-Family Two-Family Three-Family Four-Family ASHTABULA ASHTABULA, OH (MICRO)  $291,250 $372,850 $450,700 $560,100 ATHENS ATHENS, OH (MICRO)  $432,500 $553,650 $669,250 $831,750 BROWN CINCINNATI-MIDDLETOWN, OH-KY-IN (MSA)  $337,500 $432,050 $522,250 $649,050 BUTLER CINCINNATI-MIDDLETOWN, OH-KY-IN (MSA)  $337,500 $432,050 $522,250 $649,050 CARROLL CANTON-MASSILLON, OH (MSA)  $277,500 $355,250 $429,400 $533,650 CLERMONT CINCINN...
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Servicer Contact Numbers for HomeownersProvided by HOPE NOWBelow are the customer contact telephone numbers of HOPE NOW servicer members. If you are a homeowner having trouble with your mortgage, please call your servicer's hotline for assistance (please have your account number ready when calling).If you would like to talk to a HUD-approved homeownership counselor, please call the Homeowner's HOPE Hotline, 888-995-HOPE, operated by the Homeownership Preservation Foundation. Free counseling is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also visit www.995hope.com for more assistance.Downloadable FlyerServicer Hotline Servicer Hotline Aurora Loan Services 800-550-0509 IndyMac Bank 800-880-6848 Avelo Mortgage, LLC. 866-992-8356 JPMorgan Chase Prime Loans 800-446-8939 Bank of America ...
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By Althea D. Taylor
(Charles M. Taylor Realty )
We are living in historical times involving the real estate industry and our economy!  I remember the meltdown of the 80's in the USA.  For some it was a time of despair.  Homes were going into foreclosure in record numbers.  Interest rates skyrocketed at times above 20%!  Slums were being formed from foreclosed homes that sometimes stayed vacant for more than a year.  The government had such a large inventory of home that had to be packaged to dispose of them.  Sounds familiar?  With the exception of high interest we are repeating the 80's.  We are actually going back to the 80's in such a way of financing homes through gov't loans.  It is such a shame to have to readjust in a backwards way after so much progression.  The direction of the economy is spiralling backwards (IMO).  This is...
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By Tim Bradford, NMLS 250013
 In the Frame below is information on the current OHFA - 1st Time Buyers Program.To qualify you either have to purchase in a Targeted Area or have not owned a home in the past 3 years. Call me to find Targeted Areas.  Tim Bradford (216) 324-8113Please consider using one of the Realtors displayed.Any Northern Ohio Realtors wishing to be included in the rotating banners should contact me.   
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