Monday, July 29, 2019

Advantages of Buying a Multi Family as a Primary Residence

One of the smartest decisions a home buyer can make is to purchase a multi family home as his primary residence. A multi family home is considered a two family, three family or four family property. These are sometimes referred to as duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes. While the purchase of a single family home is a smart investment, there are definite advantages to purchasing a multi family home.

Income Stream
A multi family home provides an income stream from one or more tenants. This is the single largest advantage because it reduces the buyer’s monthly expenses such as the mortgage, taxes and insurance.

Higher Mortgage Qualification
Most buyers assume that the mortgage qualification guidelines will be stricter on a multi family home but many of the guidelines are the same as a single family home and often the income ratio will look better on a multi family. This is because part of the income the property produces can often be counted as part of the new buyer’s income. This means a buyer can usually qualify for a larger multi family home than a single family home.

Easier to Manage
If your goal is to have rental properties, then having your tenants under one roof is ideal. Rents are easier to collect and the upkeep of the property is easier to manage when you live onsite.

Future Rental
The owner of a multi family can easily decide to rent out their current unit and purchase another property. This makes a multi family purchase as a first time home buyer a terrific option. Many buyers will go on to purchase another multi family and grow their real estate portfolio and others will move onto a single family home to raise a family or for more privacy.

Great Investment
Maintaining the multi family home will make it attractive to tenants and will allow the owner to increase rents over time. This will also make the building more attractive to investors should the owner decide to sell. The more money the property brings in, the more money it is worth.

Retirement
Keep in mind that rents increase over time but mortgage stays the same. Once the mortgage has been paid off, the owner can choose to keep the property as a source of steady income or sell it for a profit. This makes a multi family home a great real estate investment.

Today's New Listings!

34107 Lake Shore Boulevard, Lakeline

2840 Orchard Drive, Willoughby Hills

9135 Little Mountain Road, Kirtland Hills

8360 Twin Creek Court, Mentor

7221 Green Valley Drive, Mentor

507 Prestwick Path, Painesville Township

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Open Houses and Price Reductions!

Open Houses for July 28, 2019 

6430 Murray Ave, Ashtabula  
Open 1:30-3pm
$147,500
3bd 2ba
Call 440-813-5762

11625 Lancaster Dr, Chagrin Falls  
Open 2:30-4:30pm
$670,000 
4bd 5ba
Call 440-413-1963

103 Sawmill Bend, Chardon 
Open 1-3pm
$250,000 
3bd 3ba
Call 440-283-7557

6651 Breezewood Rd, Concord 
Open 1-4pm
$289,000 
4bd 3ba
Call 440-637-3791

10806 Ellison Creek Dr, Concord 
Open 12-4pm
$425,000 
4bd 5ba
Call 440-488-1061

8941 Billings Rd, Kirtland
Open 2-4pm
$349,900 NEW PRICE!
3bd 3ba
Call 440-537-6671

5671 Wellington Rd, Lyndhurst 
Open 1-3pm
$119,000 
3bd 1ba
Call 440-339-3626

6750 Bayside Dr, Madison 
Open 12-2pm
$162,500 
3bd 3ba
Call 440-289-8213

2648 Morningstar Dr, Madison 
Open 2:30-4:30pm
$79,900 
3bd 2ba
Call 440-289-8213

4861 Webb Rd, Perry 
Open 12-2pm
$450,000 
4bd 3ba
Call 440-525-3331

1601 Rockland Ave, Rocky River  
Open 4-6pm
$225,000
3bd 2ba
Call 440-221-0075

1206 A Brookline Place, Willoughby  
Open 12-2pm
$114,900
2bd 2ba
Call 440-221-0075

Price Reductions

871 E 258th St, Euclid 
$69,900 NEW PRICE!

1335 Perryville Pl, Ashtabula 
$29,900 NEW PRICE!

Price Reduction!

8941 Billings Rd, Kirtland 
$349,900 NEW PRICE!

 

Today's New Listings!

30021 Dorothy Drive, Wickliffe

2441 Larchmont Drive, Wickliffe

5366 Nan Linn Drive, Willoughby

1224 Madison Avenue, Painesville Township

Monday, July 22, 2019

Benefit of Home Improvements To Sell Your Property

Part of the process of remodeling your home includes finding out what your return on investment (ROI) will be. There are some projects you should never sink your teeth into because you’ll lose money on it. However, there are others that provide a pretty good ROI. Every year, Remodeling’s Cost vs. Value report is published. This report details which home projects offer the best ROI for any given particular year. HouseLogic has taken this data since 2002 and compiled a report of their own that tells us which projects continue to have the best ROI over time. This is what they found.

Steel Entry Door Replacements – 98.0% ROI

Replacing your front door is one of the most fun and valuable projects you can do for your home. New front entry doors come in three flavors – steel, fiberglass and wood. Steel entry door replacements offer the highest ROI.

There’s a lot to consider when replacing your front door. There is a ton of hardware to choose from including locks, door knockers, door handles, kick plates and more. Furthermore, there are other considerations such as your front door configuration, color, style, the type of glass it has and more.

Fiber Cement Siding Replacement – 83.9% ROI

Replacing your siding has ended up on this list three times. Of course, siding replacement remodels do not apply to you if you have a house made from of brick or stone. However, for the many houses that are made out of some sort of replaceable siding, replacing that siding with the fiber cement siding can offer a value of up to 83.9 percent ROI.

Fiber cement is among the strongest and longest lasting materials you can replace your current siding with. It is a manufactured material – it won’t rust or fray. If you choose the right color, you don’t need to paint it.

Minor Kitchen Remodel – 81.8% ROI

Minor kitchen remodels do not entail ripping out your entire kitchen and replacing it. Instead, we are talking about minor upgrades. In this case, the word “minor” is nothing to be scoffed at. Things like a countertop replacement or a stove upgrade qualify as minor upgrades. Other upgrades may include a new kitchen floor, new cabinetry or even a new faucet. When it comes to improving your kitchen, you can get the most out of upgrading the utilities. In other words, things that people need and use the most. These things include plumbing, lighting, stove and ovens.

Vinyl Siding Replacement – 81.5% ROI

Vinyl siding is the next cheapest and most economical option for replacing your current siding. As a manufactured material, it also doesn’t rust, fray or erode. Vinyl comes in several colors – eliminating the need to repaint.

Garage Door Replacement – 80.7% ROI

Garage doors have two functions – they open and close. Do you know what else garage doors do? It keeps your car safe from the elements. It keeps your workshop safe. It gives you a place to put dirty tools such as lawnmowers and leaf blowers. More often than not, you’ll see garages used as a storage area. They keep rodents, intruders, and inclement weather from damaging your stuff.

Wood Deck Addition – 80.6% ROI

Wooden decks are among the nicest features homes can have. At least, that’s my opinion. A wooden deck with a functional awning that keeps your deck shaded from the sun and protected from rain will allow you to go outside without really going outside. It’s great for backyard barbecues, having your friends over, or simply stargazing. Some people choose to build their wooden deck around an above ground pool, giving the illusion that the pool is actually built underground – when it’s not. See what I did there?

Foam-Backed Vinyl Siding Replacement – 79.5% ROI

Foam-backed vinyl siding placement offers an element of insulation to your home. This can have a direct cost correlation to your heating and cooling bills. Insulation keeps the summer heat out in the winter heat in. The beautiful thing about vinyl is that it can be made to look like other, more expensive materials such as wood, brick or even stone.

Attic Bedroom Remodel – 79.3% ROI

Turning your attic into a bedroom is one of the other areas that is proven to be an excellent investment for your home, year after year. It’s kind of a novelty when you lay down on a bed in an attic and you know that the roof is right there within arms reach. On top of that, you’re far above the ground, and heat rises, keeping you warm at night.

Vinyl Window Replacement – 78.6% ROI

When you replace your windows with a newer, vinyl window, you can expect up to a 78.6 percent return on your investment. Newer windows have many options – including insulating options. Double pane windows have pressurized air or gas in between the panes offering and element of insulation. Some windows have mini blinds built in between the panes, eliminating the need for you ever to buy window treatments.

Bathroom Remodel – 77.1% ROI

Finally, bathroom remodels always give the perception of being worth a lot. In this case, the more you spend, the more you’ll get in return. The cheapest bathroom remodels include tiling the bathtub area, replacing shower fixtures, and replacing your sink and accompanying cabinet.

Today's New Listings!

29308 Armadale Avenue, Wickliffe

9237 Creekwood Drive, Mentor

5381 Richards Drive, Mentor

11791 Christian Avenue, Concord

7309 Gallant Way, Concord

5780 Canyon Ridge Drive, Perry

Thursday, July 18, 2019

Open Houses!

Open Houses for July 21, 2019 

11625 Lancaster Dr, Chagrin Falls  
Open 12-2pm
$670,000 NEW PRICE!
4bd 5ba
Call 440-813-5762

10440 Penniman Dr, Chardon 
Open 12-2pm
$414,000 
4bd 3ba
Call 440-413-0588

103 Sawmill Bend, Chardon 
Open 12-2pm
$250,000 
3bd 3ba
Call 216-390-1373

12358 Summerwood Dr, Concord 
Open 12-2pm
$365,000 NEW PRICE!
5bd 3ba
Call 440-479-7379

23801 Chardon Rd, Euclid 
Open 12-2pm
$139,900 
3bd 2ba
Call 440-339-3626

4861 Webb Rd, Perry 
Open 12-2pm
$450,000 
4bd 3ba
Call 440-279-8585

777 River’s Edge Ln, Painesville 
Open 12-4pm
$160,000 
2bd 2ba
Call 440-221-0075

8941 Billings Rd, Kirtland
BY APPT
$349,900 NEW PRICE!
3bd 3ba
Call 440-296-5006

408 Oleander Oval, Madison 
BY APPT
$159,900 
3bd 2ba
Call 440-296-5006

V/L Lloyd Rd, Wickliffe 
BY APPT
$275,000 
3bd 2ba
Call 440-296-5006

V/L Eddy Rd, Willoughby Hills 
BY APPT
$325,000 
3bd 2ba
Call 440-296-5006

Old Willoughby #27, Willoughby 
BY APPT
$379,900
3bd 2ba
Call 440-296-5006

Price Reductions!

6430 Murray Ave, Ashtabula 
$147,500 NEW PRICE!

12358 Summerwood Dr, Concord 
$365,000 NEW PRICE!

11625 Lancaster Dr, Auburn 
$670,000 NEW PRICE!

7466 B Auburn Rd, Concord 
$350 NEW PRICE!

Today's New Listings!

118 Larimar Drive, Willowick

8088 Monterey Drive, Kirtland

10901 Worrell Road, Kirtland

6325 Gatewood, Mentor

7469 Case Avenue, Mentor

461 Prestwick Path, Painesville Township

Monday, July 15, 2019

Tips To Consider When Buying a Foreclosure

So you are looking for a new home, maybe even your first home, and you come across a house that is in a bank's name and you are told it has been foreclosed. The price is incredibly low and you are wondering, what is the catch? A foreclosure can be a good investment for a buyer. Unfortunately it was not a good experience for the homeowner. A foreclosure is when a homeowner loses the rights to their property due to the failure to pay their mortgage and the property is reclaimed by the bank. Once the homeowner involuntarily loses their home, the house becomes the bank’s property. Sellers can go into foreclosure for multiple reasons such as, job loss, excessive debt or personal issues with health or divorce.

Although the money may be right and you are considering a foreclosure, you should do some research first. Here are some tips to consider before buying a foreclosed home.

How long has the house been empty?
The longer a home has been vacant, the more likely it is to have damages. Empty houses can suffer from broken water pipes, stolen copper plumbing, damaged appliances and even mold are just a few examples of the potential problems that may await buyers of vacant properties. All buyers are encouraged to get a professional home inspection prior to purchasing.

Has the homeowner damaged the home?
Homeowners may neglect routine maintenance on the home for months especially if they know they will be removed from the home sometime in the future. Other times a homeowner may strip a property of valuable fixtures that should have remained with the home such as kitchen cabinets, wall-to-wall carpeting, interior doors, etc. There are a few homeowners who will even vandalize the property prior to leaving by putting cement down the drains, large holes in the drywall, etc. On the opposite end of the spectrum, there are some foreclosed properties that are in good condition. Either the homeowner took care of the property right up until the time they vacated or the bank made repairs to the property prior to putting it on the market. It is a good idea to view a foreclosure in person prior to purchasing as well as having a professional assist with accessing damages that may not be easily seen.

What kind of offer should I make on a foreclosure?
The main reason buyers shop for a foreclosure is to get a bargain but it is not always that easy. If the home is in a desirable location, there will be multiple bidders, leaving the home to sell at or near the market value. You can still have the benefit of two things working in your favor: the bank is not emotionally attached to the home so there is no irrational expectations about price and the bank loses money every day the house sits on the market. Something else to consider is that the market value will increase once you make renovations to the property. Remember, the home’s real cost is the money you pay the seller plus what you will need to spend on repairs and renovations. Set a firm maximum price that is within your budget and near the property’s actual value and be prepared to walk away if the bank does not accept it.

Should I invest in a foreclosure?
As you can see, there are pros and cons to investing in a foreclosure. Working with a professional real estate agent can help you select an ideal property that is right for you and assist you in navigating these new waters. Obtaining a licensed contractor’s estimate of the repairs needed prior to purchasing is advised as well. Once an offer is accepted, a professional home inspection contingency is key to insure the needed repairs are identified and accounted for. Contact a Realtor today to discuss purchasing a foreclosure!

Today's New Listings!

38514 Ranally Way, Willoughby

1022 Beachview Road, Willoughby

6010 Hopkins Road, Mentor

8707 Harvest Home Drive, Mentor

9103 Terrace Park Drive, Mentor

8911 Headlands Road, Mentor

7300 Arbor Glen Place, Concord

11478 Viceroy Street, Concord

2916 Antioch Road, Perry

Thursday, July 11, 2019

Open Houses and Price Reduction!

Open Houses for July 14, 2019 

103 Sawmill Bend, Chardon 
Open 11-3pm
$250,000 
Call 440-279-8585

10440 Penniman Dr, Chardon 
Open 12-3pm
$414,000 
Call 440-289-8213

12358 Summerwood Dr, Concord 
Open 1-3pm
$370,000 
5bd 3ba
Call 440-479-7379

8941 Billings Rd, Kirtland
Open 1-3pm
$365,000 
3bd 3ba
Call 440-413-1963

777 River’s Edge Ln, Painesville 
Open 12-4pm
$160,000 
3bd 2ba
Call 440-525-3331

11625 Lancaster Dr, Chagrin Falls  
BY APPT
$695,000 
4bd 5ba
Call 440-296-5006

11130 River Rd, Chardon 
BY APPT
$829,900 
4bd 4ba
Call 440-296-5006

23801 Chardon Rd, Euclid 
BY APPT
$139,900 
3bd 2ba
Call 440-296-5006

4861 Webb Rd, Perry 
BY APPT
$450,000 
4bd 3ba
Call 440-296-5006

V/L Lloyd Rd, Wickliffe 
BY APPT
$275,000
3bd 2ba
Call 440-296-5006

V/L Eddy Rd, Willoughby Hills
BY APPT
$325,000 
3bd 2ba
Call 440-296-5006

Old Willoughby #27, Willoughby 
BY APPT
$379,900
3bd 2ba
Call 440-296-5006

Price Reduction

2670 Greenbrook Dr, Madison 
$74,900 NEW PRICE!

 

Price Reduction!

2670 Greenbrook Dr, Madison 
$74,900 NEW PRICE!

Today's New Listings!

38833 Margaret Walsh Court, Willoughby

7540 Kellogg Rd, Concord

6600 Deer Haven Drive, Concord

7516 Nancy Ann Drive, Concord

Monday, July 8, 2019

Curb Appeal Affects Real Estate Sales

The first thing a buyer notices when they pull up to a home is the curb appeal. The home’s exterior including the siding, windows, garage door, front door and roof as well as the landscaping, decks and patios all need to show well!

More Showings
Having great curb appeal will create more showings on a property. Real estate is often a numbers game, meaning the more people that see a property, the more likely it will sell. Some buyers may decide not to even go into a property if they do not like the curb appeal. A favorable curb appeal will capture a client’s interest and make them want to see more.

Sell Faster
Of course more showings should help a home sell faster. Another reason a home might sell faster with good curb appeal is that when the initial impression is favorable, that feeling will last with the buyer as they go through the home. They will assume that the same care has been taken inside the home as well.

Sell For More Money
Realtors rank curb appeal as the most important in selling a home for top dollar. Buyers start deducting right away when the exterior of the home is not meticulous. When you are meticulous with the outside of your home, a buyer will assume you are meticulous with the routine maintenance of the home as well. Investing in the home’s exterior appearance is a good return on investment as well because a seller can expect to see return dollars for their efforts.

Conclusion
A buyer will look at a home as a total package but it is the curb appeal that makes the first impression that will stick with them. When they come back for a second showing and pull in the driveway, they will remember the home right away and how it made them feel. It is that emotional connection that will make them feel like this is home!

Today's New Listings!

30018 Vineyard Road, Willowick

7900 Newell Creek Drive, Mentor

87 Sugarberry Court, Painesville Township

4332 Oregon Street, Perry

6305 Red Bird Beach Drive, Madison

Monday, July 1, 2019

Do I Need a Realtor When Buying a Home?

You are ready to make the big move. You are going to purchase a home and you are asking yourself if you need to employ a real estate agent. You are worrying about the grueling process of finding the right agent so you ask yourself if you should go through the process of buying a home on your own. Is the real estate process tricky? Will it leave me winded and confused? Is it in my best interest to hire someone who has the appropriate knowledge and experience to navigate through the universe of real estate? The answers to all of these questions are Yes!

Real Estate Experience Matters. Real estate agents carry out multiple duties such as studying property listings, walking clients through home buying steps, producing real estate contracts and talking through conditions of a sale. They also have the negotiating skills to help a client buy, rent or sell a property. The experience adds up and although the internet provides many resources for someone to buy a property on their own, at the end of the day, there is no substitute for a professional who has the knowledge and experience to deal with the ins and outs of real estate.

Save Time and Money when Working with a Realtor. Many of us have a very busy schedule and buying a home on your own can be extremely time-consuming. Getting to know the real estate market is the first step and studying the market takes an incredible amount of time. A skilled real estate agent, who knows the market, can save you time, money and a headache. Real estate professionals have realistic views on what homes are worth. With a professional, you are sure to make a realistic offer and you will have someone keep an eye on the entire process until the deal is closed.

Work with a Realtor to Purchase Your Next Home. The home buying process is full of twists and turns. If you are not knowledgeable about the real estate market, taking on these steps on your own may very well lead to mistakes and repercussions. Buying a home with the help of a real estate agent is the best way to go!

Today's New Listings!

77 Ranally Way, Willoughby

2642 Westminster Lane, Willoughby

8305 Sanctuary Drive, Kirtland Hills

7553 Chillicothe Road, Mentor

515 Prestwick Point, Painesville Township

507 Prestwick Point, Painesville Township

7333 Pinehill Road, Concord

8200 Mount Royal Drive, Concord

4210 River Road, Perry

8245 Callow Road, Painesville

Today's New Listings!

34645 Willow Creek Pl, Willoughby  - $399,000 1331 Bennett Rd, Madison - $329,900 7165 Hawthorne Dr, Mentor - $274,900 4423 Ashwood Ave...