Barb Szabo's Blog

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!

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.

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!

Broadview Heights Ohio City Council PASSES Deer Hunting Ordinance

Barb Szabo E-pro Realtor Cleveland Ohio Homes (RE/MAX Trinity) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:34:25 -0600

Broadview Heights Ohio City Council PASSES Deer Hunting Ordinance

The passage of this ordinance has been a hot topic in Broadview heights Ohio for quite some time now. You could not pick up a copy of the Broadview Journal or the Sun Star Courier without reading about this issue. And of course, you could read about it on line. The ordinance, which will be placed in its entirety on Broadview Height's website, will allow for bow hunting of deer. There have understandably been many comments from those that are strongly opposed and those that are strongly for this ordinance. Please check the website in the upcoming weeks to read the written ordinance. I could not find any information as to when it will be posted so check periodically and I will do the same.

The ordinance passed 4-3 .

Those FOR were:

Helen Dunlap

Tom Pavlica

Roy Stewart

George Stelmaschuk

Those AGAINST were:

Robert Boldt

Jennifer Mahnic

Joe Price

Innovation in Carbon Monoxide Detection!

Barb Szabo E-pro Realtor Cleveland Ohio Homes (RE/MAX Trinity) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 07:41:52 -0600

According to an article by Ed Hightower, carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the US with more than 20,000 people hospitalized and nearly 500 killed each year. In addition, carbon monoxide poisonings have been on the rise, increasing 36% between 2001 and 2006. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas, which is why it can kill so quickly.

Many people may think, myself included, that the only possible solution is a plug in carbon monoxide detector, which will sound an alarm if CO is detected at that location. The problem with this is that the detector may be in a location, such as a basement, which may be furthest from the bedrooms, and those sleeping in those bedrooms may not hear the alarm. Some detectors use batteries....need I say more?

Tom Olecki of Broadview Heating, Broadview Heights, Ohio offers another solution. A company called CO Authority manufactures a detector that can be mounted by a trained professional in the furnace plenum. This detector constantly monitors the air that comes out of the registers. If CO is detected, this detector actually turns off your furnace and sounds a warning. Power comes from the furnace so batteries are not needed. The cost to install these detectors is between $400 and $450.

Call Tom Olecki at Broadview Heating 440-526-7310 for more information. Broadview Heating is located at 4111 E. Royalton Rd. in Broadview Heights Ohio.

Always consult a licensed heating professional!

Assumption Church in Broadview Heights Ohio Fabulous Friday Fish Frys Begin Feb. 19th 2010

Barb Szabo E-pro Realtor Cleveland Ohio Homes (RE/MAX Trinity) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 06:28:28 -0600

If you've never been to a Lenten fish fry at Assumption Church in Broadview Heights, (9183 Broadview Road) Ohio, make it a point to come to at least one, and bring a bunch of your friends..you won't be disappointed! Our fish frys have often received coverage by the local t.v. stations.
The dates are as follows and all are from 4:00p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 19
Feb. 26
Mar. 5
Mar.12
Mar.19
Mar. 26

I have been a member of Assumption Church since 1990 and have both worked at and enjoyed the fish frys for many years so I know first hand just how good they are.
Here's what you can expect:

Broiled orange roughy dinner, with your choice of 3 pierogies or haluski (cabbage and noodles) or french fries, coleslaw or applesauce, bread and butter, coffee or tea. $12.00
Adult dinner which includes 2 pieces of fried cod, or 2 crab cakes, or 10 fried shrimp or 6 pirogies and same sides as above. $8.00
Senior Dinner, same as above adult dinner. $7.00
Children's dinners (age 12 and under) are also available and offer 1 piece of fried cod, or 1 slice of cheese pizza, or grilled cheese sandwich with the sides being 2 pierogis, or french fries or mac-n-cheese, plus applesauce or coleslaw, bread and butter. $4.00
Pop and bottled water are sold for $.75
Additional sides are $3.00
Pierogi varieties include potato, cheese, sauerkraut, and prune

The pierogis are all handmade by the men and ladies of our church as is the coleslaw. It's my favorite coleslaw ever..and I am very picky.
Take out orders are also available and you can call 440-546-9552 after 4:00p.m.

Desserts are made and sold by the Parent's Club to benefit Assumption Academy. Having worked the dessert table for many years I can tell you that these Moms know how to bake and a great many of these desserts are homemade and because the parents take turns baking, there is always a nice variety of baked goods.

It is mind boggling just how much work goes into these fabulous fish frys. From the homemade noodles, pierogis, and coleslaw, to all the volunteers that serve up the food, and those that do the MAJOR clean up afterwards, to those who set up the tables, and those that put the tartar sauce in those little cups. This is a huge endeavor and all you have to do is

Show Up and Enjoy!

New Hampton Broadview Heights Ohio Inventory and Absorption Rate as 2/12/10

Barb Szabo E-pro Realtor Cleveland Ohio Homes (RE/MAX Trinity) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 07:57:26 -0600

Below you will see the inventory and absorption rate data for single family homes/clusters (first chart) and condos (second chart) in New Hampton Broadview Heights Ohio. The records for closed sales are only for the past 6 months. The absorption rate is how many months it will take to sell your home as it relates to the amount of inventory and closed sales. If there have been 30 sales in the past 6 months, that equals 5 sales per month. If there are 50 available listings then it will take approximately 10 months to sell your home. These are averageses and there are other factors that will come into play for every homeowner, such as the condition and specific location of your home, and most importantly, the price you choose. Also note that the absorption rate will typically be higher in the last quarter of the year and in the beginning of the first quarter of the year as sales slow down, thereby increasing the number of active listings on the market and subsequently increasing the absorption rate.

MacIntosh Farms Broadview Heights Ohio Real Estate Market, Inventory and Absorption Rate as of 2/10/10

Barb Szabo E-pro Realtor Cleveland Ohio Homes (RE/MAX Trinity) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 07:17:34 -0600

Below you will see the inventory and absorption rate data for condos (first chart) and single family homes/clusters (second chart) in MacIntosh Farms Broadview Heights Ohio. The records for closed sales are only for the past 6 months. The absorption rate is how many months it will take to sell your home as it relates to the amount of inventory and closed sales. If there have been 30 sales in the past 6 months, that equals 5 sales per month. If there are 50 available listings then it will take approximately 10 months to sell your home. These are averageses and there are other factors that will come into play for every homeowner, such as the condition and specific location of your home, and most importantly, the price you choose. Also note that the absorption rate will typically be higher in the last quarter of the year and in the beginning of the first quarter of the year as sales slow down, thereby increasing the number of active listings on the market and subsequently increasing the absorption rate.