Memorial Day 2013!

The first Holiday of the summer season is finally here!  If you aren’t to busy house hunting, check out these great events in Northeast Ohio!  Our area has no shortage of fun- the beautiful lake parks, our wineries and festivals, the list is endless!  Here are a few of my favorites, pick one or pick them all- Many span the entire weekend!

The Great American Rib Cook-Off and Music Fest

An event spanning 20+ years in the Nautica Pavilion, food and fun!

Greek Heritage Festival in Tremont

Traditional Greek food and just south of Downtown.

The Mentor Memorial Day Parade

Beginning at 9:30am from Heinen’s parking lot

Cedar Point

Offering free admission for active and retired military, check out their site for information!

Visit here for much, much more!

Whether you’re new in town, or just looking forward to a long weekend to enjoy this gorgeous area we call home- there are plenty of attractions and events to choose from!  The forecast calls for warm and sunny, be sure to keep plenty of sunscreen on hand and water for your travels.  The early part of the season we often forget the basics!  Ensure no matter where your destination is, you plan a meeting spot in instances of separation for your family- These early events can be slightly chaotic for all of us that have been stuck inside for the long winter, and it’s important to plan ahead.

Many of us take advantage of the long weekends as well to knock items off of our project list- Whether you just moved, are planning to sell, or simply collected to much over the winter- the extra day can be a great way to plan family cleaning and organizing projects.  Pack away the winter clothes and school books, and celebrate the start the new Summer season ready and organized.  Tackle one thing at a time, and be sure to sneak some fun in for your and your family! 

Don’t Cheat Yourself! Choose the RIGHT Agent

Whether you are buying for the first time, or selling for the fifth- It is important that Clients understand that REALTORS work for you, and not the other way around! 

I always say “I am never to busy for your referrals!” and I know I am not the only one, however I can’t seem to understand when Clients reach a point where they are chasing their REALTOR around, or trying to hunt them down for help and answers..  Our industry can be the best- freedom, flexibility and always rewarding- however it can also be challenging at times too.  None of us are perfect, but I truly believe no purchase or sale is to big or to small, and each deserves the best attention!

When purchasing or selling a home, always meet with your agent to review all expectations, questions and guidelines.  It is important that all parties involved are educated and able to understand- and most importantly, know what to expect as each step approaches.  Your agent is your advocate and liaison from start to finish, and should be able to provide the time and efforts that you need.  Our understanding of your needs and wants will ensure the entire process is as efficient, and ultimately successful, as possible.

As professionals, we establish working relationships with other Agents, and all of the other industry players- from the banks, to the movers, insurance companies and everything in between.  Having an Agent that understands the importance of building these relationships can play a critical role in your transaction!  Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest changes that we make in life, and our area is rich with resources and wonderful opportunity. 

In our Keller Williams offices we have a great mentoring program, and I firmly believe that anyone can learn the basics- the outline of the basic information a REALTOR must know- but it truly takes dedicated pros to master the ins and outs, and at the end of the day provide our Clients with exactly what they need!

Roofing 101

In my years of experience, I have seen it all- and one of the big factors that can stop a purchase or sale is the condition of the roof.  A big budget expense, roofing is inspected, and often has an impact on the sale itself, or the price of the home for sale.  Roofing materials and labor can be costly- and if not done properly the unfortunate issues will undoubtedly arise!

The roof is in place to ensure your home is protected from the elements, but the space itself has to be able to breathe!  The air between your ceilings and your roof has to circulate- which is done so by ensuring proper ventilation and also proper placement of insulation.  If not completed and regularly checked, issues with sitting moisture can lead to mold.

It is also important to ensure your vent for the bathroom fans, and even dryer vents, are properly releasing- and not just into your attic space!  When properly done, these will release the heat and moisture out of your attic space. It may also be necessary to call in a mold remediation specialist, in order to have any mold removed if it exists. 

When purchasing a home that has existing issues it is always a good idea to have them thoroughly researched.  Even the best home inspectors will recommend that a roofing professional visits the home to look.  In some cases, it is even necessary to call upon a mold remediation specialist as well for inspection. 

As always, I am able to provide trusted resources and years of experience to each situation, and would provide a second set of eyes to the reality and urgency of the matter!

Summer Camp Time!

Longer days and warmer weather is right around the corner!  Our kids will soon be finishing school for the year, and I will begin my search for the perfect summer activities to keep them busy!  Even with knowing the ins and outs of Northeast Ohio, I still do countless hours of research each Spring to gather all of the options.

Lucky for us, we have everything from Sailing Camps to Horseback Riding, Sport Camps to Girl Scouts- and absolutely everything in between!  Our area is rich with resources and organizations that provide numerous options.  The trick is being able to navigate through, decide the type of camp and the type of structure that you need.

Organizations like the American Camp Association and the National Camp Association allow results to be narrowed based on specific criteria- but even a simple search online produces a long list of results! Our area has the YMCA and city camps as well, where kids travel to local pools and attractions to fill their Summer days with fun. 

The internet also allows for us to have a glimpse inside before ever even making the phone calls- Reviews, itineraries, photos and past trips are often displayed to showcase the experiences and events that each camp is known for.  Planning a move, or new to the area? I would love to share my knowledge of all things Northeast Ohio!

The Appraisal Bomb

Buying or Selling a home can be an emotional and arduous process!  In addition, recent market changes have created a new and reappearing trend regarding appraisal issues.

One report by the NAR gathered data and estimates that roughly 35% of REALTORS have experienced an appraisal that negatively impacted the transaction of buying or selling a home.

Who should pay for the discrepancy between the transacted price, and the appraisal?  We have shifted in our Market, our properties are selling to quickly, many within less than a weeks time on the market!  With that, comparables are hard to find from months ago- homes from 1 to 6 months back are not supporting our new, increased sales prices- and the gap between list price and sales price is nearly gone.

In our Sellers Market today it all depends on the situation.  Unfortunately, many Sellers have to realize what they want for the house and what they need for the house sale, are not always what the house will appraise for.  If the house doesn't appraise the bank cannot give a loan to a Buyer on the amount that is higher than an appraisal.  

If the house is still to sell, who should make up the shortage? Sellers ? Buyers?  The answer today is negotiable.  Out of my last 12 sales, 11 of the appraisals came in short.  Having the conversation upfront and realizing this may be a hurdle to overcome in the transaction tends to help with the negotiations and expectations later!