Chris

Pay a visit to the Brecksville Donut & Coffee Shop

2009-03-23 21:51:21

Best doughnuts Eastern United States - Brecksville, Ohio "I have traveled the world and eaten at the best bakeries from Italy to Argentina. Brecksville Donuts has by far the best doughnuts I've ever had. Words can't describe how goo...

Pay a visit to the local Starbucks in Brecksville

2009-03-23 20:19:53

It was a snowy, blustery, cold day and I picked up our daughter from Middle School. We had 45 minutes to kill before her hair appointment, so where did we head? To the local Brecksville Starbucks, of course! We love it there. ...

Extreme Makeover in Shaker Heights!

2009-03-23 20:16:22

Shaker Heights - Closed in May 2008 THE HISTORY--PAST and PRESENT: This stately home on one of Shaker's finest streets was on the market previously for six months with another top Realtor affiliated with a large real estate brokerage. The owner appr...

Get Your Newspaper Here - Read All About It!

2009-03-23 20:14:16

Newspapers - A Dead Advertising Medium? I've read and participated in many a debate (friendly of course) with colleagues, both online and in person, about the usefulness of the local newspaper for advertising a seller's home in today's market in 2...

Change with the seasons

2009-03-23 20:11:01

One thing I have learned over the years of working in real estate is that you cannot pick the time of year in which you will obtain a listing. Chances are, depending on where you live and work, you will get a home to list in a not so pretty sea...

The Traditional Real Estate Office The Times They Are a-Changin

2009-03-23 20:08:24

The Traditional Real Estate Office - Dinosaur from a Bygone Era or morphing into_____? T-Rex is still alive and kicking -- okay...not the real one. Albeit many forces came to bear to bring the dinosaur to extinction, so too will the economic f...

Brecksville lands bald eagles for a third year in a row...

2009-03-23 19:56:13

The local Sun Courier newspaper just reported that the bald eagle pair has returned to their nest in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park! This makes year three for this wonderful event and hopefully there will be a third “eaglet� in 2009! The Par...

Pay a visit to the Brecksville Kiwanis Horse Show...

2009-03-23 19:41:41

Each summer it is hard to believe that the huge river ford area at the intersection of Chippewa Creek Road and Riverview Road in the Brecksville Reservation is groomed and gussied-up for the annual Brecksville Kiwanis Horse Show. The meadow is ...

Pay a visit to the Paul Duda Gallery...

2009-03-23 19:39:31

I cannot say enough about the arts in Brecksville. I wrote about the incredible opportunities the Brecksville Center for the Arts provides to the community and regional area and at the same time, we are fortunate to have an art gallery with a...

Fireplacesa burning desire

2009-03-23 19:37:33

I have worked with enough buyers in my time to know that kitchen and baths sell houses, but so do fireplaces. Whether there is an desire to actually burn wood and listen to the crackling sound or to turn the key and let the gas warm the room, f...

Pay a visit to Handels Ice Cream & Yogurt

2009-03-23 19:34:02

For over 60 years, Handel’s has been serving homemade ice cream in all kinds of assorted flavors. We discovered Handel’s when we moved to Brecksville. It is actually located in Broadview Heights, about 13.6 minutes down the ro...

Asking for referencesI can?

2009-03-23 19:13:01

You want what? Say again? You want references? How many homes have you bought and sold over the years? How many job interviews have you had over the years? Why are these two questions linked in som...

Cleveland and Cuyahoga County Geographical Information System (GIS)

2009-03-23 19:10:28

The Cuyahoga County Engineer's Geographical Information System (GIS) is an exceptional new tool (made available to the public in 2008) that should be used by both Greater Cleveland real estate agents as well as home sellers and buyers alike to find o...

A musical night at the Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School

2009-03-23 18:59:06

I have written a lot about the arts in Brecksville and now, music gets its day. I had a wonderful experience last week as I was able to attend the combined Middle School and High School Orchestra event held at the Brecksville-Broadview Hts. High Scho...

Echo Hills Easter Egg Hunt

2009-03-23 18:57:32

Every year there is an Easter Egg Hunt in our neighborhood, Echo Hills. Because we have such a wonderful playground area and picnic area, it is easy to gather tons of kids and their families to hunt for Easter eggs. The way it works...

Baldwin Wallace Summer String Campan Incredible Opportunity

2009-03-23 18:55:48

I know you may have read my other post about the Brecksville Broadview Heights Middle School and High School Orchestra night, and if you did, you will know how much we enjoy the fact that this music program exists in our fine school system. The...

Cleveland Museum of ArtArt for the Community

2009-03-23 18:52:55

We enrolled our son in art classes at the Cleveland Museum of Art a few years ago. Here you are, entering one of the most prestigious art museums in the country, with your 5-year old son in tow, for an art class--how cool is that? The cl...

Pay a visit to the Brecksville Recreation/Community Centeraka the Rec

2009-03-23 18:50:05

As I write this post, I am sitting in the beautiful gymnasium at the Brecksville Rec Center (officially known as the Brecksville Community Center.) It is a Saturday afternoon and my almost 8-year old son is a big basketball guy. He has pl...

Shift Happens Video - How Technology and Social Media Is Impacting Your Career

2009-03-23 18:46:09

This is perhaps the most poweful video I have ever watched online. Watch Shift Happens and be ready to be completely blown away if you ever had any doubt on the impact technology and social media will have on your real estate career. To say anythin...

Carbon Footprint - Reduce It -- Use Locally Owned Real Estate Resources

2009-03-23 18:43:10

Ever thought that using a 100% locally owned brokerage could help reduce your carbon footprint? Well...it can...think about it for a minute... Note & Disclaimer: This post is not meant to bash regional, national or international real esta...

Pay a Visit to the Brecksville Reservation

2009-03-23 18:27:18

One of the most amazing sights I have seen in a long time is that of a hawk circling intently for minutes before making its dive...no, it was the time when we were driving past the pond behind the library and the heron was languishing by the side...n...

Hiking in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Brecksville Reservation

2009-03-23 18:25:01

I took a hike last week with a friend of mine, Glen, in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park (see my sledding post here) and at times, in the Brecksville Reservation (see the trail map). Best of all, we could walk from our own homes into the park. ...

Take a RideDown a Long Hill...in the Cuyahoga Valley

2009-03-23 18:17:08

It's Sunday, February 1st, 2009 and the sun is shining, the temperature is actually above freezing (first time in about forever) and the world is right....for sled riding. Load up the kids, the dog, the sleds, and venture down the roa...

Onaway Real Estate Market Report February 2009

2009-03-23 18:09:58

Welcome to the first installment of market statistics for the Onaway neighborhood for the real estate market in Shaker Heights, Ohio. As the year progresses, I will include sold statistics for 2009 as well. More comprehensive, yet unders...

Malvern Real Estate Market Report March 2009

2009-03-23 18:07:18

Welcome to the first installment of market statistics for the Malvern neighborhood for the real estate market in Shaker Heights, Ohio. As the year progresses, I will include sold statistics for 2009 as well. More comprehensive, yet under...

Fernway Real Estate Market Report March 2009

2009-03-23 18:03:02

Welcome to the first installment of market statistics for the Fernway neighborhood for the real estate market in Shaker Heights, Ohio. As the year progresses, I will include sold statistics for 2009 as well. More comprehensive, yet under...

Homestead Creek Real Estate Market Report March 2009

2009-03-23 17:58:37

Welcome to the first installment of market statistics for the Homestead Creek neighborhood for the real estate market in Broadview Heights, Ohio. As the year progresses, I will include sold statistics for 2009 as well. More comprehensive...

Summerwood Real Estate Market Report March 2009

2009-03-23 17:53:14

Welcome to the first installment of market statistics for the Summerwood neighborhood for the real estate market in Broadview Heights, Ohio. As the year progresses, I will include sold statistics for 2009 as well. More comprehensive, yet...

Pinestream Real Estate Market Report March 2009

2009-03-23 17:50:31

Welcome to the first installment of market statistics for the Pinestream neighborhood for the real estate market in North Royalton, Ohio. As the year progresses, I will include sold statistics for 2009 as well. More comprehensive, yet un...

Forestbrook Real Estate Market Report March 2009

2009-03-23 17:12:23

Welcome to the first installment of market statistics for the Forestbrook neighborhood for the real estate market in Broadview Heights, Ohio. As the year progresses, I will include sold statistics for 2009 as well. More comprehensive, ye...

Brecksville Real Estate Market Report February 2009

2009-03-23 17:07:29

Welcome to the first installment of market statistics for the real estate market in Brecksville, Ohio. Included in this first report is showing the number of homes that are currently on the market, under contract, and that have sold in 2008 by ...

Country Woods Real Estate Market Report February 2009

2009-03-23 16:58:52

Welcome to the first installment of market statistics for the Country Woods neighborhood for the real estate market in Brecksville, Ohio. As the year progresses, I will include sold statistics for 2009 as well. More comprehensive, yet un...

The Timbers Real Estate Market Report February 2009

2009-03-23 16:57:21

Welcome to the first installment of market statistics for the The Timbers neighborhood for the real estate market in Brecksville, Ohio. As the year progresses, I will include sold statistics for 2009 as well. More comprehensive, yet unde...

Emerald Woods Real Estate Market Report February 2009

2009-03-23 16:53:37

Welcome to the first installment of market statistics for the Emerald Woods neighborhood for the real estate market in Brecksville, Ohio. As the year progresses, I will include sold statistics for 2009 as well. More comprehensive, y...

Hidden Canyon Real Estate Market Report February 2009

2009-03-23 16:49:27

Welcome to the first installment of market statistics for the Hidden Canyon neighborhood for the real estate market in Brecksville, Ohio. As the year progresses, I will include sold statistics for 2009 as well. More comprehensive, yet un...

Four Seasons Real Estate Market Report February 2009

2009-03-23 16:46:49

Welcome to the first installment of market statistics for the Four Seasons neighborhood for the real estate market in Brecksville, Ohio. As the year progresses, I will include sold statistics for 2009 as well. More comprehensive, yet und...

10014 Gatewood Drive, Brecksville, OH 44141

2009-03-23 16:39:27

Chris Olsen | Olsen Ziegler Realty | chris@olsenziegler.com | 216.702.0537 ...

Southern Estates Brecksville Ohio Real Estate Market Report February 2009

2009-03-23 16:36:34

Welcome to the first installment of market statistics for the Southern Estates neighborhood for the real estate market in Brecksville, Ohio. As the year progresses, I will include sold statistics for 2009 as well. More comprehensive...

Crane Creek Brecksville Ohio Real Estate Market Report March 2009

2009-03-23 16:32:46

Welcome to the first installment of market statistics for the Crane Creek neighborhood for the real estate market in Brecksville, Ohio. As the year progresses, I will include sold statistics for 2009 as well. I welcome your feedback if ...

A Stone's Throw Brecksville Ohio Real Estate Market Report March 2009

2009-03-23 16:29:04

Welcome to the first installment of market statistics for the A Stone's Throw neighborhood for the real estate market in Brecksville, Ohio. As the year progresses, I will include sold statistics for 2009 as well. I welcome your feedback...

Preston Village Brecksville Ohio Real Estate Market Report March 2009

2009-03-23 16:25:46

Welcome to the first installment of market statistics for the Preston Village neighborhood for the real estate market in Brecksville, Ohio. As the year progresses, I will include sold statistics for 2009 as well. I welcome you...

Whispering Winds Broadview Heights Ohio Real Estate Market Report March 2009

2009-03-23 16:23:43

Welcome to the first installment of market statistics for the Whispering Winds neighborhood for the real estate market in Broadview Heights, Ohio. As the year progresses, I will include sold statistics for 2009 as well. I welc...

Cherry Hill Estates Broadview Heights Ohio Real Estate Market Report March 2009

2009-03-23 16:21:59

Welcome to the first installment of market statistics for the Cherry Hill Estates neighborhood for the real estate market in Broadview Heights, Ohio. As the year progresses, I will include sold statistics for 2009 as well. I w...

Chapel Hill Brecksville Ohio Real Estate Market Report March 2009

2009-03-23 16:01:18

Welcome to the first installment of market statistics for the Chapel Hill neighborhood for the real estate market in Brecksville, Ohio. As the year progresses, I will include sold statistics for 2009 as well. I welcome your feedbac...

Echo Hills Real Estate Market Report February 2009

2009-03-05 22:30:41

Welcome to the first installment for all things real estate and community related in Echo Hills. I will provide regular market status updates regarding the real estate market as well as give you a true sense of what this great community has to offer....

Don't Cry Me an Ice Dam

2009-02-18 21:04:50

Now that we are in the throes of winter and have had our share of snow-I think there is at least 12-14" of snow in our own yard, there is always that chance of warm-up which can create a multitude of problems from flooding to ice dams. ...

Prepare for all seasons

2009-02-09 09:59:24

Sanguine Sellers

2009-01-20 21:40:41

Real estate is a huge topic in these days of turned-down markets, short sales, and foreclosures. However, one thing is for sure-people move for all kinds of reasons which keeps the real estate cycle in continued motion. First, the hard ...

Structural integrity is just as important as style

2009-01-11 21:30:29

So...you are a buyer who now has a valid purchase agreement on a home and you now need to schedule some inspections, notably the general home inspection, pest inspection, and perhaps even more extensive inspections such as radon, mold, water potabili...

Buyers -- Be Nosy!

2009-01-11 21:15:57

If there is one thing that really gets to me when I am showing properties to a buyer, it is the smell of animals in a house. Now, I know most of America is pet-friendly and pet-loving, including myself, but come on....cat litter box smell??&nbs...

Automated Valuation Models....Buyer Beware

2009-01-07 11:19:51

Should a buyer (or an agent) rely on Automated Valuation Models (AVM) that produce an estimation of "Market Value." My answer is: No. Reason: Real estate is far too complex with far too many independent and conflicting va...

Great deduction...Watson

2009-01-07 10:40:13

These days, everyone is looking to protect their financial bottom line. After all, in these hard economic times (unless you are an NBA basketball player), who doesn't want to save dollars when they can? I know I sure do. Here's a great...

Beware of the Real Estate Junk Fees

2009-01-07 10:31:13

I am sure you have heard the terms below used in many transactions you have been involved in, specifically financial transactions. Admin Fee Administration Transaction Fee Transaction Fee Franchise Fee Professional Service Fee Processing F...

Don't walk on by...

2009-01-07 10:15:36

The final walk-through addendum should always be included in a purchase agreement to give a buyer the right to walk through the property several days before title transfer to inspect it and ensure it is in the same condition ...

Planning goes a long way

2009-01-07 10:08:03

Are you thinking of selling your home? Let me ask you some questions, if I may, about the last major vacation you took: How did you decide where to go? Who was involved in planning the vacation? ...

Tread lightly when considering a home warranty

2009-01-05 18:20:24

Did you know that many real estate companies receive a kickback referral fee (whether they pass it along to their agents or not is their discretion) for a home warranty they recommend and it's perfectly legal? In fact, if you look at some...

Think BEFORE you act

2009-01-05 16:32:48

Okay, this may seem like planning overload here, but seriously, you may end up in the home for 2 years, 5 years, or even less than 10 years. So, if you are going to improve it, making design and material selections that are in tune with buyers'...

Will a pre-home inspection help?

2008-12-21 15:16:50

There is no right or wrong answer. Most listing agents do not discuss this with sellers, so most sellers are unaware this option exists. Many sellers will ask the question: Why in the world would I want to pay $300-400 for...

All home inspectors are not created equal

2008-12-21 15:15:58

I've seen incompetent Greater Cleveland home inspectors sink a transaction faster than dropping a cement block in water. Some inspectors are subjective, interject emotions, opinions, and do their buyers a great disservice. Some inspectors...

How to negotiate a home inspection contingency

2008-12-21 15:15:04

This is oftentimes the most complex of contingencies that must be negotiated. There are real dollars on the line, no "best practices" or common understanding of how this contingency should be negotiated. What is customary to ask...

How do I find a good pest inspector in Greater Cleveland?

2008-12-21 15:13:55

While the scope of a pest inspection is not as complex as a home inspection, if termites are found - or worse yet, missed, then the financial ramifications can be huge. Most pest inspections find evidence of carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and/...

How do I find a good radon inspector in Greater Cleveland?

2008-12-21 15:13:07

Luckily, in my opinion, this is a pretty cut & dry task. The home inspector often does the radon inspection; the results either come back acceptable (based on the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) value of <4.0 P/cL or t...

Should the home inspector do the pest inspection?

2008-12-21 15:12:12

No, no, no. Why? Do you want a car salesperson doing a brake job on your car? Would you take a cruise on a fishing vessel? Do your DVDs fit in an 8-track player? (Okay, I'm really dating myself here!) But, seriously, the co...

How do I find a good lender in Greater Cleveland?

2008-12-21 15:11:18

Unless you are paying cash, it is imperative to use a reliable and competent lender, as well as finding a lender who has exceptional customer service, great rates, low/competitive fees, and most importantly of all, a local lender who has strong ties ...

How do I find a good title/escrow company?

2008-12-21 15:10:05

Just like with a lender, in order to truly make an informed decision, you need to educate yourself and also understand a variety of things. At the top of the list is the difference between "variable" versus "fixed" fees.&nbs...

Unrealistic sellers, whats an agent to do?

2008-12-21 15:07:54

Punt...but only after a long and detailed conversation on what the issues are, why these issues are preventing a sale, and what steps need to occur to eliminate or reduce the issues. If a seller is financially unable to alter course, ie, lower ...

Looking for the perfect home?

2008-12-21 15:05:54

Every so often an agent works with a buyer who is looking for the "perfect" home. What this actually means varies from buyer to buyer. When an agent asks a buyer to define the perfect home, they often describe a list of conflict...

The overrated hype of real estate marketing

2008-12-11 20:30:16

When a real estate agent goes on a listing appointment and meets with a prospective home seller, the actual "selling" that goes on is all about how wonderful the real estate company and the agent are and the "marketing" they can d...

Buying a home in the winter...bbbrrrrrrr

2008-12-11 20:15:49

While my previous blog post discussed selling a home in Greater Cleveland in the dead of winter, the flip side is: should you purchase a home in the dead of winter, or wait until more homes come on the market in the spring? The answer lies in your m...

Is selling in the winter a dead proposition?

2008-12-11 20:13:17

Should you sell your home in the dead of winter? Should you keep your home on the market over the holidays? Should you wait to put your house on the market in spring? The answer lies in your motivation to sell. Ask yourself a quest...

Radon test...what's that and should I be concerned?

2008-12-09 13:08:42

So, you have just received news that your offer was accepted by the seller and you now have a valid purchase agreement. Should you obtain a radon inspection? The short answer is: YES. Radon is a breakdown of uranium in the soil, and...

Vacant Homes Can Be REALLY Cold

2008-12-09 11:29:52

Selling a vacant home is enough of a challenge in a healthy market, let alone in this strong buyers' market. Add to this, selling in the winter just adds insult to injury. Many home sellers choose to winterize their home to avoid the risk of p...

A Case Study in Saving Cleveland Home Sellers Money

2008-11-23 19:43:22

We just had one of our homes that we listed in Cleveland Heights close and transfer title this past Thursday (11/20/08) -- you can read about the extensive renovation and staging we performed on this home at http://www.olsenziegler.com/home-staging.p...

Howard Hanna's 11/23/08 Sunday Open House Ad

2008-11-23 19:28:26

I was looking at the real estate section in today's (11/23/08) Plain Dealer and was looking at Howard Hann's ad on page L4 and noticed their first bullet in the center of the ad read: Consumers can focus their search on one company with the la...

Staging, Re-design and/or Renovation

2008-11-13 16:57:48

As insiders (professional REALTORS) and also as consumers (we are homeowners also), we are constantly amazed by home sellers who are not in-tune with the realities of today (11/13/2008) in what it really takes to sell a home in today's market. ...

Howard Hanna Buys Realty One

2008-11-03 11:45:27

It was announced Sunday, November 2nd (actually a few days earlier due to an e-mail blunder by the President of Realty One) that Howard Hanna purchased Realty One. What does this mean for Northeast Ohio? First and foremost, it means that ...

The All Important Kitchen

2008-10-02 11:29:04

"Kitchens and bathrooms sell houses" This is a common saying throughout the real estate industry and it happens to be very true. Kitchens are the living rooms of yesteryear because it is the room in which people gather for ...

Looking with a critical eye.Step 2

2008-09-19 12:51:06

Remember, don’t get caught at the last minute trying to prepare your house for sale —price and condition are the two key factors to attracting buyers. You have already completed Step 1—removal and storage of "stuff." ...

So much stuff...Step 1

2008-09-17 08:49:30

Don’t get caught at the last minute trying to prepare your house for sale. This is too important of a process to hurry through! Remember—price and condition are the two key factors to attracting buyers. So, what can yo...

Family and Friends do not a Realtor make!

2008-09-15 21:17:42

Oftentimes we are not at odds with sellers, but instead with friends or family members. For instance, mom and dad are visiting from Florida or the best friend is over for coffee and discussion of the sale of the house ensues. ...

Buyer Agent's Technical Capabilities

2008-08-18 23:03:25

The technical expertise of a buyer's agent can make the difference between keeping your sanity and life in order, or on the other end of the spectrum, can make your home search a marginal experience where a great amount of stress has been create...

Finding the Right Agent is Key

2008-08-18 22:54:20

When a buyer has determined they are going to purchase a home, the choice they make about who will represent them can result in a wide variety of outcomes: from having a great experience or not, from overpaying for a home or not, from negot...

Why is the Listing Agreement Period so Long?

2008-08-18 22:35:01

Did you know that a listing agreement , technically known as an "Exclusive Right to Sell" agreement, is a binding, bi-lateral contract? So, before you sign this document, which binds you to the real estate company -- not the ag...

Selecting the agent who states the highest asking price

2008-08-18 22:22:27

Okay...we just listened to three Greater Cleveland real estate agents who all came up with different asking prices for our home. One recommended 300K, another 315K and the 3rd agent said 350K. What sh...

Choosing an agent because I see their name everywhere

2008-08-18 22:12:21

Should a seller choose or select a real estate agent because they see this agent's name everywhere in advertising, yard signs, etc.? Great question. Here is an analogy: Both Starbucks and McDonalds are just about everywhere on the...

Choosing an agent based on the company they work for

2008-08-18 21:53:44

Some sellers interview 2-3 agents and choose the one whose company seems to have more local presence, or the one with outstanding glossy marketing materials left in the home after the listing presentation. Since selling a home, any home, a...

Lack of Mutual Understanding

2008-08-18 21:29:10

Here is a phrase that I have heard far too often from sellers: "I signed the listing agreement, and after the first few weeks, my agent never did anything for me and rarely communicated with me." At a bare minimum, the listing agent should...

Exit Stage Left! Part 3 of 3 - External & Other Factors

2008-08-18 21:13:11

· Functional Obsolescence – Having 5 bedrooms and 1 bath is an example. So is having a "tandem" bedroom – where one has to walk through one bedroom to get to another be...

Exit Stage Left! - Part 2 of 3 - Seller Mistakes

2008-08-18 20:58:26

Part 2 of 3 - Seller Mistake(s) · Price Too High – Sellers oftentimes make the same mistake in setting an initial asking price that is clearly unrealistic, given the current compet...

Exit Stage Left! -- Why sellers dump listing agents

2008-08-18 20:02:30

Exit Stage Left! -- Why sellers dump listing agents – Part 1 of 3 Part 1 So…you are at the end of your listing agreement with your real estate agent – actually, your listing agreement is with the real est...