Home Buying

Spring and summer are the peak house-hunting seasons in Cleveland. As the warm temperature gives way to colder days, however, buyers and sellers are wondering if the property market’s hot streak will cool down. While we can expect sales to slow down a bit, Michelle McQuade, one of the leading realtors in Cleveland, Ohio, believes… Read More

If you’re thinking about buying a second home, you’re far from alone. According to a report by Pacaso, about 55% of Americans who don’t own another property are thinking of getting one. After all, who wouldn’t want a place they can escape to when the daily grind wears on the soul? Before you start looking… Read More

This year, give your home a new lease on life by refreshing its look. If you’re looking for inspiration, the Michelle McQuade team has collected the biggest interior design trends for 2021 for you. Discover the styles, color choices, and  upgrades that will shape home designs in the months ahead: Trendsetting colors Interior design enthusiasts… Read More

Back when the pandemic first started, there was plenty of pessimism about the real estate market. Pundits said that with people shuttered indoors, house hunting would come to standstill and home prices would crater.  While housing demand and prices indeed dipped in the early months of the pandemic, the property sector didn’t just weather the… Read More

July recorded a spike in home sales despite the ongoing battle against the coronavirus pandemic. Real estate experts attribute this to the high demand for homes, the limited housing inventory, and more importantly, the low interest rates. And with much of the future uncertain, home buyers are snatching up whatever real estate opportunities they could… Read More

If you are looking for a neighborhood with more tranquil surroundings, a laid-back pace of life, and is free from overcrowding, buying a house in Greater Cleveland’s desirable suburbs is the step in the right direction for you. Start your home search in these five top-rated Cleveland suburbs: Chagrin Falls Named after a beautiful waterfall… Read More

Despite strong market data at the start of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has created a decline in home buying interest in Ohio due to uncertainty. According to a survey conducted by the Ohio REALTORS, 75% of respondents say COVID-19 has decreased their interest in purchasing homes. This is NOT the case in 44022 and 44023… Read More

It’s no secret that spring is one of the best times to buy a home. Most sellers choose to list their home in the spring and since it’s the busiest home buying season, it’s also the most competitive.  Keep these home buying tips in mind if you’re planning on going house hunting this spring: Know… Read More

No matter what your home’s style is, you can infuse it with a modern vibe with just a few simple changes. Check out these ideas on how you can update your home and give it a contemporary look. Change your lighting fixtures Lighting can significantly define the mood in your home. To give your home… Read More

Home inspection is something you have to take seriously if you want to buy the right home. Opting out of this final step in the home-buying process could mean the difference between moving into a piece of property with minor issues to one that could cost you a lot more than you bargained for. If… Read More

Although residential real estate trends change frequently, one thing that has remained constant in the past several years is the strong demand of communities in the Chagrin Valley. The focal point is of course, Chagrin Falls, which was recently named the most livable city in Ohio. The charming Cleveland east side suburb is home to… Read More

For quite some time, Cleveland has been a competitive seller’s market. But is it slowly shifting, giving more wiggle room to home buyers? Let’s find out. What the experts are saying Real estate experts from Yes-MLS and Redfin predict that Cleveland’s housing market is easing towards a more balanced playing field. Most of the favor… Read More

Cleveland, Ohio has been undergoing a transformation during the past several years, and the younger crowd is starting to take notice. According to Downtown Cleveland Alliance, the city center’s population increased by 79% since 2000, with the number of millennial residents increasing by 77%. In 2018, the downtown area’s estimated population swelled to over 16,000… Read More

Spring is definitely one of the busiest seasons to buy a home. As the temperature rises, more home buyers come out of the woodwork to inspect what’s available in the housing markets they’re interested in. Purchasing a house during this period can lead you to face a daunting amount of competition, but don’t worry! With… Read More

Many luxury homes in Cleveland boast timeless architecture, stunning craftsmanship, and an assortment of features designed to provide the ultimate luxurious lifestyle. If you’re in the market for a luxury home but are not quite sure which amenities and features to look out for, here are a few things that might catch your interest: Indoor… Read More

After weathering the housing crisis, Cleveland is finally seeing a turnaround in its real estate market. 2019’s real estate darling Despite lagging behind in recent years, Cleveland is projected to become one of 2019’s real estate darlings, along with other markets like Houston, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Chicago. Jobs are expected to return to Ohio, as… Read More

Over the past several years, the city of Cleveland and its surrounding neighborhoods have slowly transitioned into a more pedestrian-friendly environment, making it easier to go from place to place even without a car. Yet even with a reliable public transit system, owning a car is still a necessity due to the weather as well… Read More

Getting your financing sorted is a must if you are aiming for a successful home buying experience. Keep the following factors in mind to secure a reasonable mortgage rate. Your credit rating Your credit score plays an important role in determining your mortgage’s interest rate. Most importantly, it can also affect the outcome of your… Read More

Millenials are increasingly joining the real estate market. According to this Home Buyer and Seller Generational Trends Report, 34 percent of sales last year were made by millennial buyers. A seller’s market, however, can be tough to navigate. Competition can get intense, and home prices might be higher than usual. If you are a millennial… Read More

When preparing your finances to buy a home, having a good credit score can make you feel confident about your chances of securing a favorable mortgage. But what about coming up with the down payment? Usually 20% of the purchase price, the down payment is often the biggest hurdle that first-time homebuyers face. If you’re… Read More

Are you buying or selling a home in Ohio? It’s best to be familiar with real estate terms that you’ll likely come across throughout the entire home buying or selling process. Here are some of the most important terms you should know: Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) – A type of mortgage with a variable interest… Read More

Are you buying a home for the first time? Congratulations! Without a doubt, this is one of the most exciting moments in life. To help you get ready for the process, check out our home buying guides. Through all the thrill of home shopping, it’s important to keep in mind that the cost of homeownership… Read More

Planning on buying your first home? While it may seem tedious and daunting, house hunting can also be an exciting experience. As a buyer, your primary goal is to find a home you love at a price you’ll be able to afford. Unfortunately, there are many first-time buyers who tend to commit mistakes, making it… Read More

Making your offer stand out may seem like a tough task, especially if you’re competing with cash buyers in a highly competitive market. As a buyer however, you need more than just cash if you want to successfully land the home of your dreams – you need to give sellers more reasons to choose your… Read More

Most millennials think homeownership is something that’s unattainable at a young age. Twenty-somethings are likely foregoing homeownership for two simple reasons. The first one is they’re staying put until marriage, since they believe that at that point, they’ll have a much better idea of where they want to settle down, what type of career they… Read More

Thinking about buying or selling a home this year? One of the best ways for you to prepare is to gather information on some emerging trends in today’s real estate market. Here are five significant real estate trends you should know about: Soaring home sales According to a report from the National Association of Realtors,… Read More

Moving to a new home, especially if it’s your first, is always an exciting event. To help you make the process easier, I’ve collated the essentials you need that will truly make your house feel like home. To get you started, I’ve divided the items into segments, based on their specific use and the room… Read More

Is your Realtor looking out for your best interests? You should consider changing Realtors if you notice the following: 1. You don’t see eye to eye You find yourself in constant disagreement with your Realtor. Your viewpoints are on opposite ends of the spectrum and it’s impossible to meet halfway. If you and your Realtor… Read More

With a notable downtown renaissance, a reemerging job market, and comparably affordable home prices, Cleveland’s housing market continues to grow, thanks to attention from younger property buyers. It remains a seller’s market, however, given the low inventory of existing homes. Let’s take a closer look at the prominent real estate trends in Cleveland and its… Read More

For many people, figuring out the right time to buy a home can be a paralyzing decision. This does not have to be the case for you. Buying a home is a good, long-term investment, no matter when you buy. You can consider yourself ready as long as you have a stable income flow, good… Read More

Getting married and buying a home often go hand in hand. The home is a major piece in building a new life with a partner, after all. In fact, your marital status has implications on your ability to buy the kind of home you and your spouse dream of. 1. Working spouses can qualify for… Read More

It’s easy to think that you can buy or sell a home without the help of a professional. Indeed, the internet gives you fast access to listing sites where you can advertise or search for a property on your own. However, when you’re about to embark on what is perhaps the single biggest transaction you’ll… Read More

There’s a lot you can do to prepare and research your house hunting process. While your Realtor has access to Realtor-only websites and databases to help them find you the perfect home, you can also do plenty of planning to ensure a productive search.   Zillow.com One of the most popular home-viewing websites out there,… Read More

While not required in every transaction, home sale contingencies are very important in minimizing your home buying or selling risks. Contingencies can help protect you from any unexpected event that could put you at a financial disadvantage. Contingencies are typically included in a purchase contract, but should be presented to both the buyer and seller… Read More

The name “Van Sweringen” holds a certain prestige and power in Cleveland’s annals of history. Known as railroad barons during the turn of the century, the brothers Oris Paxton and Mantis James are most notable for the development of an affluent village, which later became known as the ideal suburban garden city of Shaker Heights…. Read More

Moving homes can be a real chore that may even take a few months to complete. Some cram during the last minute and attempt to prepare a few days before the big move, while some take their time and start early to make sure everything is covered. If you’re unsure of what to do, take… Read More

When you’re searching for a new home, you may start to notice different architectural details: dormer roofs versus gable roofs, round columns is some houses and square columns in others, wood or composite siding, and so on. Having some basic knowledge of architectural styles can often make the home search easier for many buyers. Having… Read More

Chagrin Falls’ history is reflected in the many historical homes around the village. As in the city of Cleveland, these 19th century homes were built in the prominent architectural styles of the era. You can also learn more about Cleveland’s historical homes here. A brief history The village of Chagrin Falls originated in 1833 as… Read More

Buying a high-end property is certainly no easy task. There are many things to consider, and tons of different options to choose from. How do you find a luxury property that meets all your needs and preferences? Below are 10 helpful tips to keep in mind: 1. Narrow down your options Considering specific amenities or… Read More