YOUR SOURCE FOR BUYING, SELLING & LIVING IN CLEVELAND OHIO | |
REALTOR'S INSIGHT: A minute with TMG agent Britt Bodager | | | |
EILEEN'S PICK OF THE MONTH:
"The Tale of Three Fairmounts"
Searching for a home can feel like Goldilocks' pursuit of the perfect porridge-- "too hot", "too cold" or "just right"! Buyers often decide a home is "too big", "too small" or "just right"! Have a look at three homes on historic Fairmount Boulevard in Cleveland Heights, each offering a unique price, presentation or condition. There is a Goldilocks for every home. I like to say "there is no perfect home, just a home perfect for you!" Eileen
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2792 Fairmount Boulevard (Sold)
- Built in 1928
- Tapestry Brick, Slate Roof (originally)
- Tudor detailing with stucco and timber trim
- Sub roof lines also Tudor influences
- Sold after 3 days on market to local family
- Fun fact: Inground pool and one acre lot!
- Eileen's theory: finishing detail is modest perhaps because the depression was looming and builders or owners scaled back on frivolous details.
- Listed by Eileen McKeon/ Howard Hanna
See listing
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3100 Fairmount Boulevard (Pending)
- Built in 1920
- Cream brick with clay barrel roof
- Craftsman details with lead glass, roof brackets and brick work
- Sold in first week on market to local family
- Fun Fact: Swim in place spa pool in front sunroom!
- Listed by Eileen McKeon/ Howard Hanna
See listing
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2970 Fairmount Boulevard (Active on market now)
- Built in 1926
- Mead Hamilton, architect
- Strong Tudor details with asymmetry, carved wood, harlequin pattern leaded glass, wainscoting paneling
- Bay window, wrought iron, eyebrow roofline and more
- On market for $ 650,000
- Listed Maggie Oviatt & Barb Shockey/Howard Hanna
See listing
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The McKeon Group at Howard Hanna is one of Cleveland's favorite Realtor Groups, led by Eileen McKeon. Since 2001, Eileen and the team has advised and advocated for hundreds of Clients to "make a move" with confidence, strategic expertise, and exceptional attention to detail and service.
It's a smart move with The McKeon Group.
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AROUND TOWN: Halloween Events, Trick or Treat and more! | | |
LINGO: Easements vs Encroachments
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Easements and encroachments are two distinct concepts in real estate, yet they can be confusing for some to distinguish the difference between the two.
Easements are a legal right for a party to use or access another party's property for a specific purpose, such as accessing a shared driveway or utility lines.
On the other hand, encroachments occur when a part of one's property, like a fence or a building, extends onto another property with or without permission.
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HOME MAINTENANCE: "Can I trim my neighbor's tree?" | | |
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Many of our historic neighborhoods are known for, and beloved for, their charming, mature trees. These trees are so deep-rooted, they often pre-date or ignore property lines. In the majority of cases, neighbors communicate and co-parent their trees without issue. Tree ownership and maintenance are explicitly covered in Ohio laws. Here are questions and answer to keep in mind when assessing tree responsibility:
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Is the tree trunk completely on one property? If so, it is the property owner’s tree and responsibility. If the tree trunk is on both properties, the tree is jointly owned and responsibilities shared.
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Are the owner's branches overhanging the neighbor's property? The tree owner is not obligated to trim the branches. However, the neighbor has the legal right to trim the overhanging branches as long as they do not cause damage to the trees
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Is the tree owner liable for damage caused by the tree to neighbor's property? Unless the owner has actual knowledge of tree damage or weakness (by an inspection or obvious observation) the owner is not liable. If the owner does have knowledge, they can carry liability. (PS If your tree damages the neighbor's house or cars, their homeowner's insurance should cover it so careful not to jump to quickly to take responsibility in that case).
As always, try to be a good neighbor and communicate these concerns before they become problems.
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FINANCING: New regulations for 2-4 family purchases | | |
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For years, the down payment amount for a single family home was as low as 3%-5% for a conventional loan. Sometimes, Buyers like the idea of buying a two-family home, so they can live in one side, rent the other as income to offset the cost, build equity and launch their portfolio of investment properties. Smart idea! For years, that required 15%-25% down payment as a conventional loan, and tough for young Buyers to meet those requirements. Alternatively, FHA loans offered 3% down programs, but many duplexes or borrowers didn't qualify for FHA due to income limits or poor condition of property.
Well, that has changed! Starting November 18, 2023, a Fannie Mae guideline change enabling owner-occupying Buyers to purchase a 2-4 family home with as little as 5% down. This is game changer for our Buyers who want to own a home while offsetting the costs with the income from tenants. Areas in Cleveland, such as Lakewood, Shaker and Cleveland Heights have a tradition of diverse housing, offering many two-family homes which sell in the range of $200,000-$400,000 depending on size and condition. Now, we await local lenders to add this product to their menu of services. Just because Fannie Mae allows it, does not mean lenders will offer it! Some lenders or insurance companies may or may not jump on board with this product due to risk, so we eagerly watch to see what happens. If interested in learning more, reach out or click here.
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TREND ALERT: Contrast Trim | | |
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In the evolving world of interior design, "contrast trim" has emerged as a chic and creative trend. This stylish approach involves painting the baseboards, window casings, and door frames a bold and contrasting color, making a powerful design statement.
Why the popularity? Contrast trim adds an eye-catching and dramatic element to any space. It visually expands a room, drawing attention to architectural details, and creating an inviting defined area.
Popular rooms for this trend include living rooms and dining areas, where the contrast trim can frame large windows and open spaces. It's also an excellent choice for bedrooms, where it can add a touch of elegance to your personal sanctuary. Don't forget about your front door - a pop of contrasting color can create a striking curb appeal.
Whether you're aiming for a subtle hint or a bold design statement, "contrast trim" is your ticket to giving your home a fresh, on-trend look that's bound to impress.
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LOCAL RESTAURANT: Crumb & Spigot West Side location | | |
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A long-time Bainbridge staple, Crumb & Spigot has served up award-winning food and cocktails to local east siders. Beginning last week, west-siders can finally enjoy all the restaurant has to offer, without the commute. Nestled in the row of retail between Andrews and Lakeland on Detroit Ave, the restaurant is so cozy and cavernous (consistent with its east side location), you will quickly forget you're in the heart of the hustle and bustle of Lakewood. There are plenty of Vegetarian and Gluten-free options but our favorite is more of an indulgence - the Lobster Burger is a *must*.
See menu here
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CLEVELAND HISTORY: Halloween & the Celts | | |
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Halloween has deep roots in Irish history and culture, originating from the ancient festival of Samhain. In Celtic Ireland, this pagan festival marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the dark, dormant months ahead. It was a celebration of the harvest and sign of gratitude to the fertility gods. Also, it was believed that during Samhain, the boundary between the living and the dead was blurred, allowing spirits to walk among the living.
Irish Halloween traditions centered on warding off these wandering spirits. People lit bonfires and wore costumes, typically made of animal heads and skins, to mimic the spirits or placate them. The practice of 'guising' involved going door-to-door in disguise, depicting ghosts, banshees, and other supernatural beings, reciting verses or songs in exchange for “treats” of apples and nuts.
Additionally, the carving of turnips and later pumpkins into lanterns, known as Jack-o'-lanterns, was believed to protect households from malevolent spirits. This tradition traces back to the Irish myth of Stingy Jack, a notorious trickster who was denied entry to both heaven and hell, and was doomed to wander the earth with only a carved-out turnip containing a candle to light his way.
Traditional foods were prepared during Samhain such as colcannon, a dish made of mashed potatoes, cabbage, and onions; and barm-brack, a fruitcake made with hidden coins for wealth, and the gold ring. Whoever got the piece of cake with the ring meant they were the next to be married!
The arrival of Irish immigrants in America during the mid-1850s helped popularize and maintain many Halloween customs, including the practice of carving Jack-o'-lanterns, trick-or-treating, and wearing costumes.
Happy Halloween everyone!
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