Cleveland Area Community Spotlight: Brunswick, Ohio

September 29th, 2014

Located just twenty-five miles outside of Cleveland, Brunswick Ohio is home to about 35,000 residents and known as the largest city in Medina County. Since its early days, Brunswick has been a haven for residents dedicated to building a strong community in which to start businesses, raise families and take advantage of its location in close proximity to busy, neighboring Cleveland.

Shortly after East Coast settlers arrived on the scene in the early 1800’s, Brunswick began to see churches, general stores, blacksmith shops and other businesses pop up around what would first be known as Brunswick Center. When the Cleveland Southwestern Interurban was built in 1901—Ohio came to be known as the heartland of the electric interurban railway— jobs and revenue were created and Brunswick welcomed in a new era of community prosperity.

Brunswick became a city in 1960 and celebrated its sesquicentennial just five years later, in 1965. The city has continued to thrive— having blossomed from a small farming community— and pursue a focus on education with its many schools, including:

  • Brunswick High School
  • Edwards Middle School
  • Visintainer Middle School
  • Willetts Middle School
  • Applewood Elementary School
  • Crestview Elementary School
  • Hickory Ridge Elementary School
  • Huntington Elementary School
  • Kidder Elementary School
  • Memorial Elementary School
  • Towslee Elementary School
  • St. Ambrose School
  • St. Mark Lutheran School

Brunswick has also become a destination for tourists and residents from the surrounding communities, boasting popular attractions such as:

  • Brunswick Hills Golf Course
  • Heritage Farm
    A 32-acre, historical 1800’s farmstead now hosting the local Farmers’ Market, park, 1 mile walking trail, and Brunswick Museum
  • Hiram Miller’s Underground Railroad Station

Contact BOLD Real Estate Consultants today for more information about Brunswick, Ohio or the neighboring communities of Medina, Valley City, Columbia Station, North Royalton, Hinckley or Strongsville.

Sajag Patel
BOLD Real Estate Consultants
440-879-7260

Contact Us
Visit Our Website
Search Our Properties

Pricing Strategies for Your Medina or Cuyahoga County Ohio Home

September 12th, 2014

The goal of every Ohio homeowner is to achieve the best possible price for their home in Brunswick, Medina, Valley City, Hinckley and Strongsville. But it’s not just up to the home seller— the local real estate market conditions and mortgage rates play a big role in determining a sale price.

There is a science to pricing a home in Medina and Cuyahoga County and your real estate agent at BOLD Real Estate Consultants will help you find the right number based on the market in your community. As you prepare to sell your home, it’s important to remember that home prices are based on the following:

Your home value
When it comes to selling your Ohio home, there are often 3 types of prices. There is the number a homeowner would like to get for the property, the price a homebuyer would like to pay, and the price that will ultimately sell the home. The value of your home is taken into consideration, based on local sales prices. Remember that your home elsewhere would sell for an entirely different price.

The supply and demand of the market
With lower inventory, it’s likely that prices will rise and that’s just what you can expect to find in the local real estate market. Home sellers have the upper hand, but it’s always important to consult your real estate agent as this could change as inventory fluctuates.

Owner needs
Do you need to sell your home quickly? Contingencies placed on a home sale in Medina, Valley City, Columbia Station, North Royalton, Brunswick, Hinckley or Strongsville can affect the price. For instance, if you need to sell your home in 30 days, you may be willing to accept a lower sales price. On the other hand, if you want to have a certain amount to put toward your next home, your agent will need to look at similar homes in the area. If homes are not selling for the particular amount you’d like, you will need to compromise.

Now is an exciting time to sell your home in Medina and Cuyahoga County. With limited inventory and a number of motivated buyers, in addition to rising housing prices, your home sale could ultimately be just as successful as you hoped it would be.

Contact us today to discuss how to get started and chat about your home’s value!

Sajag Patel
BOLD Real Estate Consultants
440-879-7260

Contact Us
Visit Our Website
Search Our Properties

Mortgage Changes Could Face Strongsville, Brunswick, Medina Ohio Homebuyers with Higher Costs

September 10th, 2014

For homebuyers in Brunswick, Hinckley, Strongsville or Medina, rising mortgage rates and housing prices are growing increasingly evident. Given these two specific facets of the market, now is indeed the time to give up renting and move to homeownership, but that’s not all that is changing on the local real estate landscape. Proposed changes to mortgage insurance requirements could soon force mortgage rates up.

These changes are expected to significantly affect homebuyers with poor credit, according to a report from the Urban Institute and Moody’s Analytics.

For instance, if a homebuyer puts less than 20 percent down when buying a home in Ohio, they are required to get private mortgage insurance or PMI to essentially protect the lender should they default on the loan. During the height of the mortgage crisis, there was a high number of mortgage defaults, thus leading to this push for further lender protection.

The riskier the loan is— speaking in terms of mortgage loans given to borrowers with below average credit— the more money the insurer will need to have to have for government programs to back the loan. For homebuyers in Medina or Cuyahoga County with poor credit, these protective changes will translate into higher mortgage insurance premiums, rising anywhere from 0.1 to 0.15 percentage points.

Premiums are said to rise more as the borrower’s score dips lower. Credit.com gives an example: “Borrowers with a 700 credit score could see premiums jump 0.2 to 0.25 percentage points,” while borrowers with a “650 score would see a 0.6 to 0.65 percentage point increase.”

However, homebuyers in Medina, Valley City, Columbia Station, North Royalton, Brunswick, Hinckley and Strongsville should not be discouraged by their own financial situations. No matter what you are able to offer as a down payment, there are options for buyers to purchase a home in Ohio. FHA loans, for instance, allow borrowers with lower credit scores to obtain a loan, although there are certain fees associated with this specific loan type.

At BOLD Real Estate Consultants, we are here to help answer any questions you might have about the changing real estate market conditions. Given the rising mortgage rates, housing prices and impending private mortgage insurance requirements, now is the time to buy before these set in. Contact us today to discuss how you can get started!

Sajag Patel BOLD Real Estate Consultants
440-879-7260

Contact Us
 Visit Our Website
Search Our Properties

 

Common Homebuyer Mistakes in Brunswick, Hinckley, Medina, Strongsville OH

September 6th, 2014

Your home is likely the biggest purchase you’ll make in your lifetime— it’s to be expected that you’ll have many questions along the way. One great way to ensure you’re making the right decisions in your Medina and Cuyahoga County home purchase is to learn from common homebuyer mistakes. These common blunders are especially helpful if you’re a first-time buyer in Ohio, but also for seasoned buyers looking to move.

You should always run your questions and concerns through your experienced Ohio real estate agent, but reading through other common buyer mistakes should also help steer you in the right direction:

Consider the size and layout
When you buy a home in Medina, Brunswick, Hinckley, Strongsville or Valley City, it’s important to consider both the size and layout. One homebuyer mistake is not considering the size of the home— many wish they had bigger kitchens, more storage space, more bedrooms. Many also wish they had considered the layout of the home, so be sure to keep in mind what will work best for you and your family. If you plan to live in this home for years to come, be sure the home can accommodate your needs and plan accordingly.

Consider the cost
Many homebuyers wish they had put more money down when buying a home, while others wish they had purchased a home with a lower price. According to a new Zillow survey, 38 percent of new homeowners said they were surprised at how much it costs to maintain their home and 20 percent were surprised at the closing costs. Be sure to factor all of these into your budget when house hunting in Medina and Cuyahoga County.

Consider the location
Location is just as important as the home itself, so do your research ahead of time. In Zillow’s survey, more than 1/4 of homeowners admit they did not research their neighborhood well. Visit the neighborhood at all times of day, including in the evening and on the weekend. Notice what the neighbors are like during those times and factor that into your decision.

At BOLD Real Estate Consultants, we can advise you on the best homebuyer practices and ways to avoid homeowner headaches down the road. Contact us today with any questions and concerns you might have about the local real estate market. We’re happy to hear from you!

Sajag Patel
BOLD Real Estate Consultants
440-879-7260

Contact Us
Visit Our Website
Search Our Properties

How to Know You’re Buying in the Right Brunswick, Medina, Strongsville Neighborhood

September 3rd, 2014

A lot goes into choosing a home in Medina, Brunswick, Hinckley, Strongsville and Valley City— the property must meet your buyer wish list, including number of bedrooms and square footage, but most of all it must be in the right location. You’ve heard real estate is all about location and that holds true when choosing a neighborhood.

How do you know you’re buying in the right neighborhood in Medina or Cuyahoga County? It’s important to keep an eye out for the following:

It fits your needs
Certainly you have an idea of what type of neighborhood you want to live in, whether that be one with trees, playgrounds, great schools or just friendly neighbors. You’ll know you’re buying in the right place in Brunswick, Hinckley, Medina when you visit the neighborhood and you can check off the majority of your must-have features on your homebuyer wish list.

You hear great things
One way to know which neighborhoods are ideal is to listen to what people in the area are saying. If you hear great things about a particular neighborhood, be sure to visit it to see for yourself. If your dream home pops up in one of these areas, you’ll know buying is the right decision. You can also ask neighbors outside what they think of the area.

You see new shops
When a neighborhood has new shops, particularly coffee shops, that is one strong indicator that it is up-and-coming. Upscale chains and small shops signal a level of affluence; these businesses have also done the research to know that the neighborhood is worth the investment. If you see these popping up in proximity to one of your desired neighborhoods, that can mean good things.

You see home improvements
Are the neighbors renovating their homes? Do you see them outside working on their roof or landscaping? Many times Ohio homeowners will take on home improvement projects when they feel they will be in the same spot for a decent amount of time or they feel the investment is worth it given the home’s location. These projects also detail that the owners have pride in their homes.

At BOLD Real Estate Consultants, we can help you find the best neighborhood for you and your family. Contact us today to chat about the best places to buy in Medina, Valley City, Columbia Station, North Royalton, Brunswick, Hinckley and Strongsville.

Sajag Patel
BOLD Real Estate Consultants
440-879-7260

Contact Us
Visit Our Website
Search Our Properties

What to Look for When Buying an Older Ohio Home

August 29th, 2014

When buying a home in Cuyahoga or Medina County, you essentially have two choices— buy a newer home or an older home. Many are drawn to the character of older homes, especially the neighborhoods in which they sit, but don’t be too quick to sign on the dotted line. There are a few factors to watch out for when buying an older home in Ohio and some you’ll be glad you researched before you make that purchase.

Termites and Bugs
Termites and other bugs tend to flock to older homes and are known to chew through wood, flooring and oftentimes wallpaper. In fact, every year, termites are responsible for over $5 billion in property damage according to the National Pest Management Association. Before you buy a home in Ohio, one that has been around for quite a while or known to have leaks, it might be wise to hire a termite inspector.

Lead Paint
Lead paint could be found in your home if it was built before 1978, when the paint was banned. But don’t stress too much if your Ohio home was built in the years before, many homes built before 1978 did avoid lead paint for the health risks. Lead paint can be found around windows, doors, trim and painted floors and if you believe you have cause for concern, you can hire a lead inspector to take a look at your Medina County home.

Energy Leaks
Many homeowners in Brunswick, Hinckley, Strongsville, Medina and Valley City are renovating their properties, putting in energy-efficient appliances and windows. Older homes were typically built with single-pane windows that do not hold in heat and often have faulty panes and dilapidated sills. If your heating system is also old, you could be spending much more than necessary in energy bills.

Foundation Issues
Older homes are more likely to have structural or foundation issues and hiring a home inspector is the only way you will know how serious they are. However, if you do find a problem with the home’s foundation, that could be reason enough to walk away.

BOLD Real Estate Consultants can help you find the home you’re looking for in today’s real estate market. Contact us today for a list of available homes, old or new, in Medina, Valley City, Columbia Station, North Royalton, Brunswick, Hinckley and Strongsville.

Sajag Patel
BOLD Real Estate Consultants
440-879-7260

Contact Us
Visit Our Website
Search Our Properties

Labor Day Events in Brunswick, Medina, Valley City, Cleveland OH

August 27th, 2014

The last few days of summer are upon us here in Northeastern Ohio, but that doesn’t mean the events have come to a halt. Labor Day weekend will bring a wealth of opportunities to enjoy the summer sun and festivals in locales like Medina, Brunswick, Valley City and nearby Cleveland, OH. Mark the following on your calendar and your extended weekend will turn into an excellent summer send-off:

Concerts Over the Valley
August 29, 2014, 7 PM
Mapleside Farms
Brunswick, OH

Ohio’s largest concert series, Concerts Over the Valley features 14 concerts throughout the summer, all with various genres and music styles. You can bring a lawn chair and enjoy the view of over 50 miles of Northeastern Ohio landscape as well as the Mapleside Farms apple orchards. The concerts are $2 per person, with ages 16 and under free. What a great way to end the summer!

Medina County Farmer’s Market
August 30, 2014, 9 AM to 1 PM
Public Square
Medina, OH

A summer tradition, the Medina County Farmer’s Market continues on Main Street Medina through October 25. It’s an outdoor party every week showcasing local goods and over the long weekend, it’s the perfect place to start!

Farm and Maze Tours
September 1, 2014, 11 AM to 2 PM
Beriswill Farms
Valley City, OH

Labor Day is the unofficial end of summer and beginning of fall, so what better way to spend it than with a farm and maze tour? You can visit Beriswill Farms through the end of the fall for seasonal fun.

Cleveland Labor Day Oktoberfest 
August 29, 2014 through September 1, 2014
Friday, 4 PM to Midnight; Saturday, Noon to Midnight; Sunday, Noon to Midnight; Monday, Noon to 8 PM
Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds
Middleburg Heights, OH (just outside Cleveland)

Northeast Ohio’s largest outdoor festival, the Cleveland Labor Day Oktoberfest event is not one to miss! There will be free public parking, musical entertainment, children’s activities, local and international food and beverages, a 5K run/walk and more. Admission is $10 and the numerous festivities start on Friday afternoon!

As your local real estate experts, BOLD Real Estate Consultants is here to provide recommendations on everything from local events to mortgage lenders and available homes in Medina, Valley City, Columbia Station, North Royalton, Brunswick, Hinckley and Strongsville. Contact us today for details on how you can call this area home!

Sajag Patel
BOLD Real Estate Consultants
440-879-7260

Contact Us
Visit Our Website
Search Our Properties

4 Signs You’re Ready to Buy a Home in Brunswick, Hinckley, Strongsville

August 22nd, 2014

One common question from Ohio homebuyers this summer is “How do I know if I’m ready to buy a home?” You may be watching the market, hearing about mortgage rate increases, but how do you know if this is the right time for you? Now is indeed the time to purchase real estate in Medina County to avoid those climbing housing prices and rates, but here are a few more signs to help you decide:

You have a budget and use it wisely
One key for planning to purchase a home in Brunswick, Hinckley, Medina or Strongsville is setting a budget. Your budget will help you determine how much money you’re able to save for a downpayment and how much you can allocate to a potential house payment, utilities and maintenance costs. If you’re doing this already, you’re on the right track.

You have a downpayment
If you’ve got a budget in place and you have a downpayment ready to go— it might be time to make the move to homeownership. BOLD Real Estate Consultants can help you find the right property and in the right price range for you. Don’t be afraid to part with your downpayment, waiting for something bigger and better to come along— prices will only increase from here.

You have a backup fund
Making the leap toward owning your own home in Medina, Valley City, Columbia Station, North Royalton, Brunswick, Hinckley and Strongsville can be overwhelming, especially given the financial responsibility. If you have a “backup fund” in place with enough saved to cover 3 to 6 months of living expenses, you’re well prepared to purchase a home. For a homeowner, this is always a wise fund to have, just in case.

You’re paying down your debts
Your credit score is an important factor in your qualifying to purchase a home in Ohio. Start paying down your debts to better benefit your debt-to-income ratio. If your debts are few and under control, it might be time for you to start the house hunt and pre-approval process.

BOLD Real Estate Consultants can help with everything from recommending lenders in the area to providing details on available homes in Medina and Cuyahoga County. Contact us today to get started on the right path toward owning your own home!

Sajag Patel
BOLD Real Estate Consultants
440-879-7260

Contact Us
Visit Our Website
Search Our Properties

 

Back to School and Ohio Real Estate

August 20th, 2014

Schools in our area start this week and now is the time when homeowners really begin thinking about their school district. School systems are a very important part of the real estate process and oftentimes, Ohio homebuyers will choose a home based on the great school district it’s in.

A Realtor.com survey recently found that school-district boundaries impact buying decisions for more than 60 percent of buyers, with 24 percent willing to pay 1-5 percent above their budget for good schools.

You too can find your dream home near the right schools in Medina County or Cuyahoga County, BOLD Real Estate Consultants can help! Consider the following tips and contact us for more information on the area’s schools:

Know your family’s needs
Make a list of exactly what you need in a new home in Medina, Valley City, Columbia Station, North Royalton, Brunswick, Hinckley and Strongsville. Make notes of what schools your family will need in the coming years, especially if your family is growing. Do you need a big backyard? All of these will help your agent narrow down available homes.

Ask your Realtor
Always refer your real estate questions to your agent— the team at BOLD Real Estate Consultants can provide more details on all things Medina and Cuyahoga County real estate. Ask about the features in a home that are most important to you, but also any school district related questions for homes that interest you.

Look for parks and playgrounds
School districts are important, but so are parks and play areas for your family. If these neighborhood features are a part of your must-have list, your agent will be able to tailor the list of applicable homes in Brunswick, Hinckley, Medina or Strongsville.

We look forward to hearing from you as we embark on a new school year!

Sajag Patel
BOLD Real Estate Consultants
440-879-7260

Contact Us
Visit Our Website
Search Our Properties

 

How House Paint Can Affect Your Ohio Home Sale

August 15th, 2014

This weekend many Ohio homeowners will take out their to-do lists to cross off home projects that have been in the works. Popular home projects during these late summer months might include tending to the landscaping, cleaning windows, tidying up the storage shed or garage and even painting the exterior of the home.

While you may be quick to simply choose a color you like, it’s important to think about how paint can affect your home sale in Brunswick, Hinckley, Medina or Strongsville this year. Paint can indeed transform the look of your home as well as the overall opinion of a homebuyer in Medina or Cuyahoga County.

Work with what you have
There are some aspects of your home’s current color that you cannot change— the flecks of gray or beige in the brick, for instance. When you work with what you have, including the color of the roof, you’ll end up with a much more cohesive color scheme and play to a homebuyer’s aesthetic tastes when you’re ready to sell your home.

Use an accent color
Unlike staging, you do not need to stick to an all-neutral palette when painting your Ohio home this year. In fact, choosing a contrasting accent color could make the home stand out amongst others in the neighborhood or even on the local real estate market. Dark colored home? Consider going with a light colored trim.

Think about the neighbors
While choosing a bold color for the intrigue may seem like a fun idea, homeowners should think about their neighbors’ homes too. You don’t want to choose a paint color that directly clashes with your neighbor’s house. It’s nice to stand out, but only if you do so in a way that works with their color schemes and doesn’t seem too intrusive.

Think about the home’s size
Medina County homebuyers will take note of the size of the home probably before they step foot in front of it, so be sure to choose a paint color that works in the home’s favor, not one that makes it appear smaller. Light colors make homes appear larger and welcoming, while dark colors tend to make a home look heavy and dominant.

As your local real estate experts in Medina, Valley City, Columbia Station, North Royalton, Brunswick, Hinckley and Strongsville, we have many suggestions to help sell your home. Contact BOLD Real Estate Consultants today for more ideas and details on the current market!

Sajag Patel
BOLD Real Estate Consultants
440-879-7260

Contact Us
Visit Our Website
Search Our Properties

 

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »