Barb Szabo's Blog

3114 Van Aken Blvd. Shaker Heights Ohio Real Estate Just Listed!

Barb Szabo E-pro Realtor Cleveland Ohio Homes (RE/MAX Trinity) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:20:22 -0500

Just Listed
By
Barb Szabo
of ReMax Trinity
3114 Van Aken Blvd.
Shaker Heights, Ohio
for
$209,900

Gorgeous Remodeled Home! Loads of curb appeal in this brick, stone, and aluminum home. New furnace, A/C, windows, roof, HWT. Remodeled kitchen with laminate floors, granite tops, new dishwasher, cook top & oven. Updated baths-total 3 1/2 baths! Hardwood floors & new carpet throughout. 1st floor sun room with full bath, formal dining room, living room with fireplace, lots of built ins. Master bedroom has hardwood floors, master bath, and plenty of closets. All the other bedrooms are spacious with hardwood flooring. New electric panel, gutters, garage door & opener. Finished basement with wet bar & glass block windows. Beautiful!

Your home needs a strong internet presence and below is some of the internet marketing through point2homes.com

If you would like to buy or sell a home in the southern communities of Cleveland Ohio, please call me at 440-263-7496, or you may want to visit my website for more specific information on the communities I service: Brecksville Ohio Real Estate, Broadview Heights Ohio Real Estate, North Royalton Ohio Real Estate Independence Ohio Real Estate, Seven Hills Ohio Real Estate, Parma Ohio Real Estate, Parma Heights Ohio Real Estate and Middleburg Heights Ohio Real Estate. Information is obtained from Neohrex and is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Two Important Issues for Home Buyers

Barb Szabo E-pro Realtor Cleveland Ohio Homes (RE/MAX Trinity) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 06:58:44 -0500

Two Important Issues for Home Buyers

Below are 2 issues you should pay close attention to if you will be buying a home soon.

The re-inspection of repairs

The walk through just before closing.

Most buyers know the importance of having a home inspection.The buyers I represent usually have a general home inspection, pest inspection and a radon inspection. There are often problems found after a home inspection and the buyer will then remove the home inspection subject to the sellers making specified repairs. Sometimes the repairs are minor and sometimes not. When I write up such a removal I make sure to put in a deadline by which the repairs must be completed. When the repairs are completed, I make it clear that I will be coming back with the buyers to inspect the repairs to make sure they have been completed to the buyer's satisfaction.

The walk through is different than the re-inspection of repairs. The walk through is done 1-2 days before closing to inspect the home (and before the buyer deposits the remainder of their down payment) to make sure it is in the same condition as when it was purchased. It is not an opportunity to re-visit defects of which the buyers is already aware. If, however, the basement has sprung a leak, that is a problem and we will be re-negotiating.

In my opinion, and invoice for a repair is not enough. Even if it is a seemingly minor repair, it is best to go back and see with your own eyes that it has been done to your satisfaction.

A final walk through should always be made a part of the contract and carried out. Some homes are under contract for 45, 60 or more days, and are often vacant, so it just makes sense to see the house one more time before you close.

1172 Ridgeview Dr. Seven Hills Ohio Real Estate is Listed!

Barb Szabo E-pro Realtor Cleveland Ohio Homes (RE/MAX Trinity) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:08:43 -0500

Just Listed
By
Barb Szabo
of ReMax Trinity
1172 Ridgeview Dr.
Seven Hills, Ohio
for
$179,900

Numerous Updates to this Solid Brick Home: Many Newer Windows, HWT '10, A/C 2000, Furnace '95, Roof '04 (complete tear off), Electric Panel '04, Updated Kitchen, Glass Block Windows, Many Rooms Freshly Painted! Updated kitchen plus formal dining room. Newer neutral carpeting and many rooms recently painted. Huge partially finished basement offers lots of storage. Beautiful, Deep Lot (100 x 259) is level so there's plenty of room for kids to play.Convenient location. Close to Shopping and I77. In addition, you can enjoy the gorgeous Seven Hills community center for a small annual fee!

Your home needs a strong internet presence. Below is some of my internet marketing through point2homes.com

7545 Sanctuary Circle Brecksville Ohio Real Estate Just Listed!

Barb Szabo E-pro Realtor Cleveland Ohio Homes (RE/MAX Trinity) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:53:04 -0500

Just Listed
By
Barb Szabo
of ReMax Trinity
7545 Sanctuary Circle
Brecksville, Ohio
for
$219,900

Beautifully maintained ranch condo/cluster in Brecksville Ohio features 2 bedrooms plus office/den, which could become a third bedroom. Beautiful great room/dining room combination with FP overlooks a lovely private yard. The vaulted master bedroom looks out over the back yard as well and offers 2 closets, (one a large walk in), and the master bath has a dual vanity, skylights, and large shower. The second bedroom is adjacent to the main bath and is perfect for guests. Enjoy a lovely recently painted kitchen with under cabinet lighting, upgraded fixtures, all appliances and a comfortable eating area. Laundry room with overhead cabinets includes washer and dryer. The attached garage offers additional storage with pull down to the attic and has cold water and a drain. Patio off the back of the house is perfect for entertaining guests or relaxing alone. Decorated in warm neutrals with some splashes of color and most rooms in this home have been recently painted. All this, plus a pool, tennis courts, and clubhouse.

Your home needs a strong internet presence. Below is my internet marketing through point2homes.

Assumption Church Broadview Heights Ohio Haiti Outreach Committee Needs Your Help!

Barb Szabo E-pro Realtor Cleveland Ohio Homes (RE/MAX Trinity) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 07:00:23 -0500

For several years now, the parishioners of Assumption Church in Broadview Heights Ohio have been helping the people of Thomazeau Haiti. Several people in our parish have traveled to Haiti, to help bring water and electricity to these truly destitute people.

The recent earthquake in Haiti had people fleeing to Thomazeau and therefore, more than ever, supplies are needed. Our mission continues as we take up a collection of desperately needed items. This Saturday and Sunday,March 20th and 21st, Assumption church will be accepting donations of the following items:

OVER THE COUNTER MEDS:
Children's vitamins
Prenatal vitamins
Acetaminophen/Tylenol
Ibuprofen/Advil/Aleve
Miconozole/anti fungal cream
Pepto Bismol-tablets ONLY (liquid is too heavy)
Anti-diarrheal tablets
Neosporin cream/ointment

INFANT FORMULA
Liquid canned formula- NO glass please) Dry formula is O.K., liquid is preferred
Plastic baby bottles and nipples

TARPAULINS
New packaged tarpaulins of any size
New packaged tents of any size
Flat bed sheets and blankets

Please, all donations must be NEW and UNOPENED

Thank you! The friends of Haiti website is www.friendsofhaiti-bg.com

3000 Maplecrest Dr. Parma Ohio Real Estate is Sold!

Barb Szabo E-pro Realtor Cleveland Ohio Homes (RE/MAX Trinity) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:07:53 -0600

Just Sold
By
Barb Szabo
of ReMax Trinity
3000 Maplecrest Dr.
Parma Ohio
for
$85,500

This home was very nicely updated with newer windows, carpeting, updated bathroom, and updated kitchen with ceramic tile floor and back splash!

You Bought A House, or Did You?

Barb Szabo E-pro Realtor Cleveland Ohio Homes (RE/MAX Trinity) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:31:35 -0600

You Bought A House, or Did You?

Although this market has and continues to have its challenges, we still occasionally see some "hot " properties. What's a hot property? A home in good condition in a nice location and well priced.

These homes will typically get a lot of showings and there will likely be multiple bids. Yes, even in this market! Many buyers and sellers are motivated by the tax credit and are putting their "best foot forward", viewing this as a great time to buy or sell.

So you find a great home and make a WRITTEN offer. Your agent then gets that offer to the listing agent. This could be by e-mail, fax, or even hand delivered.

Your agent receives an e-mail counteroffer from the listing agent. You are happy with the terms, tell your agent that you accept and instruct your agent to notify the listing agent that you accept. Your agent does so.

You are thrilled because you now believe you have purchased a home.

But have you??

Here's my answer. Maybe. Maybe not.

In order for an offer to be fully accepted, it must be signed by all parties with initials by any material change and delivered to all parties. Delivery can be through the agents for the buyer and the seller. Until and unless this has been done, there may not be a contract.

It is entirely possible that even though you have a verbal or e-mail acceptance, another offer may come in. Unless the contract has been signed, initialed, and delivered to the seller, the listing agent has a duty to let the seller know that another contract has been submitted. You may then be in a multiple offer situation.

So when a buyer says to me "Barb, now that we have negotiated an offer, the seller can't sell it to anyone else can they?" My response is, until the contract is signed, initialed, dated, and returned to me, the seller may very well sell it to someone else.

This can and does happen, and buyers get very angry when it does. So if you see a home that you "just love", and you are ready, willing, and able, know that time may be of the essence. Make yourself available to meet with your agent to sign the necessary papers, and to initial any agreed upon changes in a timely manner.

Laws may vary from state to state so if you have questions about your contract and what is considered legally binding, consult a real estate attorney.

New Hampton Broadview Heights Ohio Real Estate Market Update Jan/Feb 2010

Barb Szabo E-pro Realtor Cleveland Ohio Homes (RE/MAX Trinity) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:26:52 -0600

New Hampton Broadview Heights Ohio Real Estate Market Update Jan/Feb 2010

Below is the market activity for condos, clusters, and single family homes for January and February 2010. The numbers for pending and closed sales are low, which is to be expected at this time of year and coming out of 4th quarter. The activity in recent weeks has improved and I would expect a nice increase in the number of pending and closed sales as we end the first quarter and head into second quarter.

	NEW HAMPTON-JAN. 2010	NEW HAMPTON FEB. 2010
	CONDOS	CLUSTERS	SINGLE FAMILY	CONDOS	CLUSTERS	SINGLE FAMILY
# OF ACTIVE	3	2	16	3	2	19
AVG. SQFT.	1566	2355	2620	1566	2355	2592
AVG. PRICE PR SQFT	$99.87	$107.42	$112.95	$99.87	$107.42	$112.71
AVG. MARKET TIME	105	27	130	105	27	151
AVG. LIST PRICE	$156,300	$249,750	$294,992	$156,300	$249,750	$291,225
AVG. SALE PRICE

# OF CONTINGENT	0	0	0	0	0	1
AVG. SQFT.						3120
AVG. PRICE PER SQFT.						$102.49
AVG. MARKET TIME						40
AVG. LIST PRICE						$319,777

# OF PENDING	0	0	0	0	0	0
AVG. SQFT.
AVG. PRICE PER SQFT.
AVG. MARKET TIME
AVG. LIST PRICE
AVG. SALE PRICE

# OF CLOSED SALES	0	0	0	0	0	3
AVG. SQFT.						2490
AVG. PRICE PER SQFT.						$107.39
AVG. MARKET TIME						305
AVG. LIST PRICE						$269,267
AVG. SALE PRICE						$258,300

It is estimated that close to 90% of home buyers and sellers begin their search on line, making it critical that your home have a strong on line presence. I can give that to you through the internet sites seen below:

MacIntosh Farms Broadview Heights Ohio Real Estate Market Report for Jan/Feb 2010

Barb Szabo E-pro Realtor Cleveland Ohio Homes (RE/MAX Trinity) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:51:58 -0600

MacIntosh Farms Broadview Heights Ohio Jan/Feb 2010

	MACINTOSH FARMS-JAN 2010	MACINTOSH FARMS-FEB2010
	CONDOS	CLUSTERS	SINGLE FAM.	CONDOS	CLUSTERS	SINGLE FAM.
# OF ACTIVE	14	5	6	14	5	7
AVG. SQFT.	1787	2017	3072	1787	2017	2998
AVG. PRICE PR SQFT	$97.6	$123.17	$114.28	$97.6	$123.17	$115.28
AVG. MARKET TIME	130	223	152	130	223	158
AVG. LIST PRICE	$169,150	$266,160	$350,387	$169,150	$266,160	$344,603

#OF CONTINGENT	0	0	0	0	0	0
AVG. SQFT.
AVG. PRICE PER SQFT.
AVG. MARKET TIME
AVG. LIST PRICE

# OF PENDING	0	1	0	1	2	0
AVG. SQFT.		2305		1759	1871
AVG. PRICE PER SQFT.		$117.09		$96.59	$119.41
AVG. MARKET TIME		94		177	174
AVG. LIST PRICE		$269,900		$169,900	$222,400
AVG. SALE PRICE

# OF CLOSED SALES	0	1	0	1	0	1
AVG. SQFT.		2863		1759		3600
AVG. PRICE PER SQFT.		$104.79		$70.49		$95.00
AVG. MARKET TIME		141		90		57
AVG. LIST PRICE		$320,000		$124,900		$354,777
AVG. SALE PRICE		$300,000		$124.000		$342,000

Walsh Jesuit High School Cuyahoga Falls Ohio to Present "The Wizard of Oz"!

Barb Szabo E-pro Realtor Cleveland Ohio Homes (RE/MAX Trinity) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 08:56:37 -0600

Walsh Jesuit High School Cuyahoga Falls Ohio to Present "The Wizard of Oz"!

My daughter Ein has loved this musical since she was a very little girl.

*We went through at least 5 pairs of ruby red slippers

*She knows every song by heart

*She sang "Over the Rainbow" as a first grader and won 1st place!

*She sang "Over the Rainbow" as an eighth grader (Katharine McPhee style) and was amazing!

Now she is a part of this wonderful production. She is an 'apple throwing tree", sings vocals on just about every song and is the understudy to Glinda. There will be fire and smoke and flying, oh my! You will not want to miss this fantastic show!

SHOW DATES AND TIMES

• Thursday, March 11th, at 7:00 p.m.

• Friday, March 12th, at 7:30 pm.

• Saturday, March 13th, at 7:30 p.m.

• Sunday, March 14th, at 2:00 p.m.

• Wednesday, March 17th, at 7:00 p.m.

• Thursday, March 18th, at 7:00 p.m.

• Friday, March 19th, at 7:30 p.m.

• Saturday, March 20th, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

• Sunday, March 21st, at 2:00 p.m.

TICKETS Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for students and senior citizens.

Special group rates for organizations and schools are also available.

Preview nights are at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 9th, and Wednesday, March 10th; all preview seats are $5.

Tickets may be purchased:

• At the door prior to show time (cash/check)

• By contacting Suzanne Fielder at suzanne.fielder@gmail.com or 330.239.4454 (cash/check)

• Online on the school website

Brecksville Ohio's State of the City Address is Tonight!

Barb Szabo E-pro Realtor Cleveland Ohio Homes (RE/MAX Trinity) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 07:14:23 -0600

Brecksville residents, don't miss Mayor Hruby's State of the City Address to be held on
Wednesday, February 24th, 2010
at 6:00p.m. Desserts and beverages
and at
7:00 p.m.for the address
The event is being sponsored by
The Brecksville Chamber of Commerce
and will begin with the presentation of the Chamber's annual Citizen of the Year Award
and
The Business of the Year Award
This will be followed by Mayor Hruby's address
which will include
a question and answer session

Refreshments compliments of the
Brecksville Chamber of Commerce

Contesting you Real Estate Property Taxes

Barb Szabo E-pro Realtor Cleveland Ohio Homes (RE/MAX Trinity) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 06:51:49 -0600

Contesting Your Real Estate Property Taxes

With so many homes selling below the county valuation, many buyers are wondering if they can get their property taxes reduced.
While I may not be able to answer that with a resounding yes, I can point you in the right direction to get the process started. If you do not agree with the assessment of your property taxes you do have the right to appeal that valuation with the Cuyahoga County Board of Revision. In Cuyahoga County, the auditor, the treasurer, and the president of the board of county commissioners each appoint members to the board of revision. There are 3 panels to hear the complaints.

Here are some important points for you to remember:

All challenges must be filed between Jan. 1st. and March 31st
Before filing you should review the board of revision's rules of practice and filing guidelines
the staff of the board of revisions is available to you to answer questions in person or by phone
Be prepared to prove/justify why your valuation is incorrect by bringing your recent purchase contract, or, if your home has not sold recently, by bringing comparable sales. Pictures may also be helpful to show the home's condition.
You may get the necessary form by calling the Board of Rvision at 216-443-7195
You may also get the form online by visiting here

Counties vary in terms of policy and procedure so make sure you read all instructions before proceeding and if there is something you do not understand, be sure to consult an attorney.

Cuyahoga county

Summit county

Medina county

Geauga county

If you would like to know what your home is worth, please contact me. I am happy to help.

Do Not Stress Out Over Your Real Estate Deals...It's Just Not Worth It!

Barb Szabo E-pro Realtor Cleveland Ohio Homes (RE/MAX Trinity) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 07:49:08 -0600

Sometimes in life, even when you feel you have done everything well or even right, things go wrong. Marriages fail, loved ones pass on, jobs are lost, kids (and parents) disappoint, and real estate deals fall part.

But it is so important to keep it all in perspective. Stress can cause so many negative things to happen on so many levels..physical, emotional, spiritual, that it's a wonder more people around us are not hospitalized every day. You can read an article about stress and all that it can cause.

I once had a real estate question for our in house attorney. It was a one of those "what if?" scenarios. Yes I was worried. I had done everything correctly and still I was worried. I know we live in a litigious society and almost anyone can sue for almost anything. The attorney talked me through the what ifs and in the end he said. "Barb, there is nothing more you can do right now. I can tell you this. The outcome that you are imagining is not nearly as bad as you think." Those words had quite a calming effect on me.

Although I still had to wait it out I knew it was nothing compared to someone waiting for the results of a biopsy or waiting to hear if their son or daughter was coming home from war.

So whatever it is that you do in life, try not to let the stress get to you. Find a way to deal with it. Talk to those who love you and they will give you encouragement.

Do not stress out over your real estate deals. Do your job well, of course, but do not stress over it. It is not worth the price you may pay.

Better yet, put in in God's hands. He is waiting for it.

New Price for 6620 Chaffee Ct. J-3 Brecksville Ohio Real Estate

Barb Szabo E-pro Realtor Cleveland Ohio Homes (RE/MAX Trinity) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 16:34:09 -0600

$69,900

Move into this comfortable condo and enjoy all the amenities of Brecksville! This 2 bedroom, one bath condo is ready to move into and offers a newer furnace and hot water tank, dining room and kitchen with ceramic tile floor, and spacious living room with sliding doors leading to deck. Outside, there is a common area with a gazebo and open grilling. Join the recreation center and you'll have use of an indoor and outdoor pool, fitness area, game room, a huge outdoor playground and more! Located in the Brecksville-Broadview Heights school system.

Brecksville-Broadview Heights School System

Brecksville Ohio in the Summertime

Brecksville Ohio Community Center

Here is a sampling of my internet marketing:

Texas Hold 'Em Tournament at Assumption Church in Broadview Heights Ohio

Barb Szabo E-pro Realtor Cleveland Ohio Homes (RE/MAX Trinity) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 20:26:18 -0600

Texas Hold 'Em Tournament at Assumption Church in Broadview Heights Ohio

My husband and I have been parishioners of Assumption parish in Broadview Heights Ohio for 20 years. Our daughter was baptized there, made her First Communion and then was confirmed there. I've been in the choir since 1991 and Lou joined shortly thereafter. For about 5 years I directed the choir too and loved it. I always say Erin came out of the womb singing and those of you who read my blog know she's blossoming into quite the singer.

We have been so blessed over the years so we try to help out at as many fund raisers as we can but find it's easy to do. From the church picnic in August, to the Lenten fish frys, to car washes by the teens, it never seems like a fund raiser. It's just is a good time. The people of Assumption Parish are like a second family to me so when we volunteer for something it feels more like a party than work.

So all you poker playin guys and gals, grab some friends and plan to attend this year's

Texas Hold 'Em Tournament

and maybe you'll get real lucky!