Sionann Monroe REALTOR - Cleveland Real Estate, Contemporary Design & Urban Living

New Blog

2009-10-17T13:41:00.000-07:00

I know this seems stupid, and it's my own fault, but I'm ending this blog because I finally found the login information for my old one and, quite frankly, I like the title better.

It's www.clevelanddigs.blogspot.com

Yep, that's it. Dumb, huh? I've been trying to transfer all the content over to the new (or, old) blog but it's taking forever. In any case, I won't be publishing here any more - you can see me over at my other address.

Ciao.

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Guess Who's Ditching Their Mortgages?

2009-10-01T02:55:00.001-07:00

Who new?

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Guess Who's Ditching Their Mortgages?

You know that “urban living” thing I carry on about? Well…

2009-09-21T13:36:00.001-07:00

I’d give it all up to live here. In Bentleyville, listed at $2,985,000.

Courtesy of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services

Assuming I will not be purchasing this any time soon, feel free to call me for a showing!

36 Hours - Cleveland - NYTimes.com

2009-09-21T08:52:00.001-07:00

For those of you who didn’t see this, the New York Times recently featured Cleveland in its travel section. Like we locals already knew, this place is cool.

36 Hours - Cleveland - NYTimes.com

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Congress Urged to Extend Tax Credit

2009-09-16T06:31:00.001-07:00

This incentive has single handedly stabilize the housing market. Let’s keep it going! Write your representatives and urge them to extend the $8,000 tax incentive.

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Congress Urged to Extend Tax Credit

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-7 Tips for First-Time Home Buyers

2009-09-15T02:47:00.001-07:00

I see these lists posted all the time, but this one actually offers practical advice and encourages a real examination of finances and a buyer’s ability to financially accommodate real life changes. I’m thinking this means we’ve learned something from the latest crisis. Sure, it’s not as fun as shopping for the biggest, baddest house you can lay your hands on, but neither is eating ramen noodles every day for the rest of your life.

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-7 Tips for First-Time Home Buyers

Boom Modern, Inc.

2009-09-14T18:17:00.001-07:00

My favorite local mod store has moved into a more prominent spot in the Heights, taking over the failed Terraces of Meadowbrook leasing space. You’ll find lots of goodies there. I currently have my eye on a very cool highchair for my very hip baby.

Boom Modern, Inc.

moderncleveland.com

2009-09-11T13:09:00.001-07:00

Not sure the last time this was updated, but moderncleveland.com is a fun resource for all things modern in CLE town. Places to shop and examples of modern architecture are chronicled on this site, so have a gander!

Shared via AddThis

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-6 Reasons Why Some Homes Sell

2009-08-04T05:57:00.001-07:00

Sellers need to be honest with themselves about the quality of their product. Take a look at this list, sellers, and ask if your home suffers from any of these symptoms.

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-6 Reasons Why Some Homes Sell

Not So Suite Life: Family Wants Out of Living Alone in 32-Story Condo - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com

2009-07-31T05:19:00.001-07:00

Well, I guess it’s nice to say you were the first one in there, but it certainly has its risks!

Not So Suite Life: Family Wants Out of Living Alone in 32-Story Condo - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com

Home price index of 20 cities in 1st monthly rise since 2006 - Jul. 28, 2009

2009-07-28T08:26:00.001-07:00

Says it right in the article: CLEVELAND BIGGEST WINNER!!! Yeah!

Home price index of 20 cities in 1st monthly rise since 2006 - Jul. 28, 2009

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Can Buying Cheap Foreclosures Make You Rich?

2009-06-18T04:14:00.001-07:00

Well, perhaps. But I would still be selective as to where you buy. There are certainly opportunities out there – clear steals. However, not every bank-owned is a deal. Entire neighborhoods decimated by recent events are going to take a LOOOONNNNGG time to come back.

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Can Buying Cheap Foreclosures Make You Rich?

Cuyahoga County doling out $1 million to suburbs for home demolitions - Metro - cleveland.com

2009-06-11T04:00:00.001-07:00

Yowza.

Cuyahoga County doling out $1 million to suburbs for home demolitions - Metro - cleveland.com

Competing development proposals put Midtown Cleveland's future at a crossroads -

2009-06-07T03:27:00.001-07:00

Midtown is definitely one my favorite sections of this city – some really great housing already exists. Moving ahead with plans of a hospital, etc. could make it’s future rather bleak. I remember when there was so much buzz about this area being the technology corridor. Times have changed, I suppose, but as Paul Volpe suggests, we shouldn’t give up just because times are tough.

Competing development proposals put Midtown Cleveland's future at a crossroads -

Lowe's - Let's Build Something Together

2009-06-03T06:51:00.001-07:00

Every month Lowe’s sends out home improvement tips to me and my clients. Here is the June edition. If anyone out there would like to subscribe to the monthly emails, let me know and I’ll sign you up.

Lowe's - Let's Build Something Together

A Look at Playrooms - Slideshows - Dwell

2009-06-03T05:35:00.001-07:00

Clearly these playrooms are geared towards the parents’ tastes, but I have to say I would do the same to my own children. Tough luck, Cinderella.

A Look at Playrooms - Slideshows - Dwell

Pending home sales rise 6.7% in April -

2009-06-02T07:30:00.001-07:00

Some more good news on the home sales front.

Pending home sales rise 6.7% in April -

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-HUD: Tax Credit Can Be Used on Closing Costs

2009-05-29T12:29:00.001-07:00

Interesting. This definitely makes it easier for that first time home buyer to close on a home. No need to bring all that extra cash for those pesky closing costs. Still, is this just more of the same nonsense that got us into this mess? Time will tell. There are an alarming number of FHA loans delinquent right now, yet these are the loans lenders are pushing. On the other hand, we need buyers to buy, and any incentive to get them off the fence will help values come up more quickly.

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-HUD: Tax Credit Can Be Used on Closing Costs

Larchmere Porchfest

2009-05-25T03:35:00.001-07:00

Larchmere Porchfest is a FREE event that will be held on June 20, 2009 in the Larchmere neighborhood of Cleveland. For one day, and one day only, porches will transform into stages featuring local musicians. Based on a similar event in Ithaca, New York, Larchmere Porchfest will highlight local talent, showcase exciting living options and create a fun and exciting atmosphere for socializing... and dancing!

Larchmere Porchfest

Ch-ch-ch-changes

2009-05-24T12:47:00.000-07:00

I'm super pyched to announce that I have just joined The McKeon Group at Howard Hanna Real Estate Services! Mike & Eileen are in the top 3% of the company and I am extremely priveliged to have this opportunity to work with them! I will continue to work in the Heights, University Circle & City of Cleveland as before, but will not have a myriad of tools available to me like never before.

Color Selection Tools - Sherwin-Williams

2009-05-24T12:45:00.000-07:00

I’ve wasted a lot of time playing with Sherwin-Williams’ Color Visualizer which allows you to paint homes inside and out. You can choose the style of home you’d like to play with and then apply colors to the home and all the trim. They have an impressive number of home styles from which to choose.

Color Selection Tools - Sherwin-Williams

Why I've been slacking on my blog...

2009-05-13T15:54:00.001-07:00

Molly Rose born 4/10/09

OK. Party's over. Back to work!

Welcome New Medical Residents!

2009-03-26T11:54:00.000-07:00

At the same time of year in Cleveland, the buzzards come back to Hinkley, and the east side of Cleveland gets inundated with fresh faced medical residents just matched to the Clinic or UH looking for a place to rent or purchase in the area. Many are interested in a condo because of their time constraints, but others are so surprised at the housing options offered here, they opt for a single family home.

If you see these people out and about, be nice to them. Offer directions if they look lost. Offer to give them my contact information (kidding. ok, not really).

Most importantly, if you are a condo owner and thinking of putting it on the market, do it NOW. These kids are out and about looking to make a quick decision - your's might be the perfect 'match' for them!

REALTORS Strongly Oppose Mortgage Interest Reduction In New Federal Budget

2009-02-28T10:44:00.000-08:00

From the Cleveland Area Board of Realtors (CABOR):

The Cleveland Area Board of Realtors® (CABOR) strongly opposes the proposed cut in the mortgage interest deduction in President Obama's budget that was sent to Congress yesterday.

The administration's budget plan proposes to limit the tax rate at which high-income taxpayers - those whose family income is $250,000 ($200,000 for singles) or more - could take itemized deductions. As proposed, that rate would only be 28%.

"If you are in the 35 percent income tax bracket and you have tax deductions of $10,000, you would be able only to deduct 28 percent of that -- $2,800, in essence a tax hike," said CABOR Chairwoman of the Board, Dianna Hosta-Stickney.

According to Ms. Hosta-Stickney, "such a limitation would impact homeowners and home values because the mortgage interest deduction is the single biggest itemized deduction for most families."

While the proposal applies to the top 2% of wage earners, home prices across the country would fall as home buyers discount the value of the deduction in their purchase offers, setting off a chain reaction that will affect prices on all homes, not just high-end homes.

"At a time when we are working to revitalize the housing market and ignite economic recovery, tinkering with the mortgage interest deduction is a poor decision," said Ms. Hosta-Stickney.

Just Listed in Lakewood

2009-01-19T13:28:00.001-08:00

I just listed this really cute house in western Lakewood at 1550 Roycroft! It's a quiet street running south off Detroit. Great colors inside, wonderful hardwood floors and natural woodwork all over the place. New furnace, roof & H2O tank: Beat that!! Listed at $112,000.

Honey, We're Moving To Tremont

2009-01-12T07:28:00.000-08:00

For sale directly next to the Clarence Court development. L.O.V.E. this house. Technically a resale, though I don't think the owner could have lived here 15 minutes. Listed at $329,900 and tax abated til 2022. Contact me for more information.

Courtesy of PURE.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-02T12:06:00.000-08:00

As I posted last time, I have few fond (professional) memories of 2008, especially as things spun out of control towards the end. Still, I am bullish on 2009. As the real estate expert said on the Today show the other morning "The stars are aligned for first time buyers". Rates are low, the inventory is out there, houses are cheap, etc. Oh, and don't forget that tax credit. The only thing holding people back is any personal fear of losing a job, etc. I see investors also playing a big part in helping neighborhoods recover. Good, responsible rehabbers/landlords have the money and conscience to do quality work and look for quality tenants.

So Long 2008!

2008-12-23T11:02:00.000-08:00

Oy. Glad this one is coming to an end. Will 2009 be any better? I really believe so, and all signs are pointing to that direction. No, it will not be 2004 all over again, but I do think we can only go UP from here.

Here's wishing everyone a happy, healthy & prosperous (for pete's sake) 2009!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Excuse My Slack...

2008-12-18T13:06:00.000-08:00

Don't think I'm not paying attention to this blog, because I am, it's just getting ready for the holidays, wrapping things up for the year, excuses, excuses! On the real estate front, can rates get any lower??? Not likely. If buyers are actually wanting to buy but have been waiting for the right conditions, they should pr0bably pull the trigger now. Rates are at unheard-of lows, houses are cheap, sellers are desperate...you get the picture. I also seem to have developed a bit of a Midas touch, in that ANY property in which I have an interested buyers sells - to someone else. Glad things are moving, but sheesh.

That's it for now...looking forward to getting out of 2008. What a miserable year this has been!

Great Buy

2008-12-11T11:44:00.000-08:00

Because there are so many great buys out there now, I feel compelled to occasionally post those homes that seem particularly attractive. This one is on Demington in Cleveland Heights, listed at $164,900 by Transaction Realty. It's not big - 3 bd, 1.1 ba but the location cannot be beat. Overall, seems in OK shape. Needs updating, and there's what seems to be mold in the basement that will need to be addressed. Still, very workable. Call me if you're interested!

More Activity For University Circle

2008-12-10T05:51:00.000-08:00

Check out these lucious townhouses! More good news for University Circle, which is seeing more housing - all of which seems to be contemporary. Love it! These are slated for a spring groundbreaking and to be priced in the $300,000 - $400,000 range w/ tax abatement. I don't think they're listed with a Realtor yet...

University Circle Continues Growth

2008-12-09T10:49:00.001-08:00

Though you were already well informed, it's now 'official' (via PD article) that University Circle's housing growth continues. There is a lack of new, livable housing in the area, and the stuff going up is fantastic. Circle 118, the Coltman project, and others offer wonderful, contemporary living in what is arguably Cleveland's MOST IMPORTANT economic growth area. Some of the product is in Murray Hill (a no-brainer place to build) while Circle 118 is really in the heart of everything. It's exciting to see all this going on, especially these days.

As always, contact me for any information on any of these projects.

Biting the Realtor.com bullet

2008-12-04T10:00:00.001-08:00

Akin to 'pimping my profile' on myspace, I've bit the bullet and paid to have my listings pimped (well, they politely call it 'enhanced') on Realtor.com. What does this mean? All my listings will have mega photos and all inquiries will come directly to me so I can sell sell sell the heck out of your home! If you are listing your home, I would seriously consider whether or not your Realtor has signed up for this extra service (it costs $$$, so many have not). I would not have said that a week ago, but now I can!

Shame on me...

2008-12-01T07:00:00.000-08:00

For not knowing this was on the market! $199,000 condo in the Random Road Schoolhouse building. 1,100sf, 2 beds/1bath - in one of the greatest locations on Cleveland's east side.

Courtesy of Howard Hanna

27 Coltman Hits The Market

2008-11-24T08:26:00.000-08:00

27 Coltman, the new townhouse development in the Murray Hill area, has hit the market at $379,000. 3BR/2.1BA, 2,200 sf. Tax abatement, etc. Looks totally great, not sure when they are due to deliver. Obviously, incredible location.

Call me for more info!

Courtesy of RE/MAX Real Estate Group

Pre Fab Modern Design: Cool, Affordable Options for the Modern Luver

2008-11-21T10:27:00.000-08:00

Can't find the home of your modern dreams in Cleveland? Why not build? There are a number of great vendors for prefab homes out there - this one is from Alchemy Architects which offers a number of very cool designs. You can put your house together online to check out the pricing. Cleveland has a number of vacant lots screaming for an ultra contemporary glass box.

New Tremont Home Steps from Lincoln Park

2008-11-20T12:48:00.001-08:00

Have a look:
Have a look. Yummy!

Keepin' It Local This Shopping Season

2008-11-20T10:57:00.000-08:00

Revive Fair Trade store at 2248 Lee Road has wonderful gifts for everyone this season. Many of the items are organic, "socially aware" and all brands sold practice fair trade - in other words, that woman in Gautemala that knitted those cute booties & hat is actually getting paid more than 12 cents.

Best of all, it's a Cleveland Heights store - locally owned and operated!

Check out revivestore.com

Super Contemporary Split Level in Tremont - Developers Break Groun

2008-11-19T08:52:00.000-08:00

Civic Builders recently broke ground on a single-family home at 905 Fruit Avenue. This home is adjacent to the successful Clarence Court project, which sold out earlier this year.
The two bedroom, two bath home at 905 Fruit Avenue features the sort of cutting edge, contemporary exterior design that has become a hallmark of many of our homes. Exterior features include corrugated metal and a half-gabled roof line.

Inside, the home is a modern split-level, with a one car garage with parking pad, first floor master bedroom with master bath, unfinished basement and bonus room, and a spacious great room with oversized windows overlooking the Industrial Cuyahoga Valley. The list price of the home is $229,900.

The Clarence Court development, which won a Cleveland Choice award from the Home Builders Association of Greater Cleveland, was recently featured on WVIZ's "Applause" program as an example of exciting regional architecture.

A nation dVided

2008-11-17T10:36:00.001-08:00

Check out these room dividers from dVider - they also sell cool decals for decorating walls. They come in oodles of colors/designs/etc. Great for kids rooms, where it's tough to commit - they grow so fast! I love the room dividers for places like Payne Avenue Lofts, which is true loft space (no walls). http://store.dvider.com/index.html

2008-11-17T09:47:00.000-08:00

Keep your money here! Look - it doesn't have to be EXACTLY Cleveland Heights, but when you spend money at a Cleveland area owned company, your money stays here and has a great impact on the community. Essentially, you're putting your money back into the system that will keep our area healthy and help local business. Mom & Pops aren't going to get a government bailout anytime soon, so we need to do all we can to support them! Keep your money in Northeast Ohio - where you live, work & play!!!

Apparently, this Future Heights logo is going to be altered to say 'Buy it in the Heights' to make it more generic - either way, it's a great message.

27 Coltman Going up in Murray Hill District

2008-11-17T09:39:00.000-08:00

Gorgeous new townhouse project going up in the Murray Hill district - totally contemporary, sleek lines, all that good stuff. No word on a price point yet. I'm assuming tax abatement as well as qualifying for the Greater Circle Living Fund. All good stuff. I'll post more info once I get it. From the developers of Brownstones at Derbyshire.

OK, This Time I'm Committed to Keeping this Puppy Updated

2008-11-17T09:14:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time, I started a blog, then I neglected it, abused it, and left it for dead. I SWEAR I will keep this updated with news about real estate, the Heights area and contemporary design in general.

And as always, I can be found at www.smonroesells.com.

Check back often!