BOLD Real Estate Consultants Podcast

Head over to North Park for the best sledding in Brunswick!

sajag@boldrealestateconsultants.com (Sajag Patel) — Tue, 8 Jan 2019 07:52:00 -0800

One of the top ways to enjoy the outdoors throughout the snowy Brunswick-area winter is to go sledding! The kids love it, and let’s face it, it’s great exercise for everyone. Looking to plan some nearby fun for the family? Or just hit with a major snowstorm that closed the schools?

Check out Brunswick’s North Park Sledding Hill at 3595 Grafton Road.

North Park is Brunswick’s largest community park. The main entrance and parking are accessed off Grafton Road. In the late 1970s, plans for the park’s initial 42.5 acres were to include baseball and soccer fields with a recreational focus.

From a lack of funds to develop the site, the natural features were recognized for their great potential and the focus switched to a “passive” park. In the mid-1980s, fifteen acres were added to the park with a donation from the State of Ohio. Since then, approximately seven acres of forest have been added because of negotiations with developers of the Woodlands subdivision and North Park Estates.

Local Brunswick residents all agree that North Park is the perfect place to go sledding this winter. It’s conveniently located and guaranteed to please everyone in the family!

Safe sledding:A few helpful tips

Choose a safe sled

Look for the following:

• A steering mechanism and brakes

• No sharp edges, cracks or missing parts

• A true sled, not substitutes like lunch trays, cardboard boxes or garbage can lid

Dress appropriately

Help keep your kids safe and warm with:

• Multiple layers of wind- and water-resistant clothing

• Helmets, which can greatly reduce the chance of head injuries

• No clothing with drawstrings or scarves, which can get wrapped around the neck.

• If you feel a scarf is essential, tuck the ends tightly into a coat, or use a neck gaiter or mask to

cover the face and neck

Look over your sleddinghill before taking off

Be sure your sledding hill is:

• Away from busy roads

• Has a long, flat area at the bottom for stopping

• Free from hazards and obstacles, such as trees, fences, ponds, rocks, poles and bare spots

• Covered in snow, not ice, because icy slopes make it hard to steer or stop safely

Be sure there’sadult supervision

• According to medical experts, most sledding injuries occur when there is no adult supervision.

• Keep an eye on all kids younger than 12 years old and co-sled with any kids younger than 5

years old.

Sled with caution

Teach your kids thefollowing sled safety rules:

• Sled sitting up and facing forward — never headfirst, facing backward or standing.

• Go down the hill one person at a time to avoid collisions.

• Never ride a sled pulled by a moving vehicle.

• Keep arms and legs inside, the sled always

• Walk up the side of the hill

• Don’t cut off or run into other sleds

Brunswick Real Estate News: December 2018

sajag@boldrealestateconsultants.com (Sajag Patel) — Tue, 1 Jan 2019 08:08:00 -0800

Click here to read the December edition of the Brunswick Real Estate News!

November is a busy month for families, and here in Brunswick it's also a busy time for home buyers. As a Brunswick and Greater Cleveland are resident, you'll want to check out our cover story about the greatest winter activity of all time...SLEDDING!. We also encourage you to read our article on stabilizing home prices here in Brunswick.

This month, you'll also find some fun, family-friendly events happening around town, a Q&A with Sajag about estimating the value of your home, a spotlight on high-tech home appliances, and more. Our November recipe is from Wolfgang Puck's kitchen - Crispy Potato Galettes - and as always, our featured properties on page 12.

We hope you enjoy reading this edition of the Brunswick Real Estate News as much as we've enjoyed creating it!

Featured Home:

sajag@boldrealestateconsultants.com (Sajag Patel) — Tue, 25 Dec 2018 07:50:00 -0800

36293 Derby Downs Drive, Brunswick | $367,900

Welcome to 36293 Derby Downs Drive. Step into the beautiful entryway that has vaulted ceilings and a gorgeous chandelier. Follow along into the vast living room with full-length windows. Cross into the dining room that features another stunning chandelier. Visit the eat-in kitchen, that has shining marble countertops, oak cabinetry, an island, and the appliances that stay with the home. The kitchen also has sliding glass doors that open onto the deck. Make your way into the family room, with a gas fireplace, vaulted ceilings, built-in wet bar, and sliding doors that open onto the deck. The first floor also contains a laundry room, an office, and half bath. Make your way upstairs to the large master bedroom with a connected sitting room, and a customized master bath. The master bath contains his and hers vanities, a giant jacuzzi tub, and a large shower. This floor also has 2 large guest rooms and a full bath. Unfinished basement great for storage. 2 car attached garage. 1-year home warranty included for peace of mind.

Good News for Brunswick: Low Rates and Stabilizing Home Prices

sajag@boldrealestateconsultants.com (Sajag Patel) — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 07:46:00 -0800

For a long time, market conditions in Brunswick have been excellent for sellers – and not so great for buyers. Selling your home fast and for a high price is wonderful but not if it means being stuck without an affordable replacement home. With this concern, many homeowners have held off on selling, prolonging our low inventory problem for more than a year.

But then something happened. About three months ago, prices had climbed so high that many Brunswick buyers left the market altogether. This reduced demand, and fewer bidding wars ensued. As a result, by September, we started seeing some price reductions and longer sales cycles for homes in certain areas. Prices are still very high, but buyers are getting relief from a better balance of supply and demand coupled with historically low mortgage rates.

In October, the median sale price of a home in Brunswick was $188,000. To put that in perspective, about this time five years ago, the median sale price was just $134,000! Over the last seven years, homeowners have enjoyed enormous gains in equity and as a nation, we have been enjoying a booming economy and job market. Since 2016, buyer competition for mid-sized homes has been through the roof. The cost of purchasing a home has outpaced increases in per capita income, shutting many families out of the housing market. Instead of prompting homeowners to sell, high sales prices have made many of them reluctant to move. But the good news for buyers (including sellers worried about buying another home) is that if we have not already hit a price plateau, it will not be long before we do.

Consider that the median sale price in Brunswick in August was $194,000, the record-breaking highest price of the decade. Compare that to the median sale price in August 2017 of $171,000 and you’ll see that the year-over-year increase in home values last summer was over 13%. However, the fall months this year tell a different story, and point to a trend toward price stability. In October of 2017, the median sale price was $188,000, which means last October there was a zero percent change in value year-over-year.

In addition to better home prices for buyers, mortgage rates in Ohio are excellent. The mortgage interest rate in Cleveland (and throughout the state) on November 18, 2018, was 4.73%, down a full eight basis points from the previous week. The current 15-year fixed mortgage rate in Ohio is even lower, averaging just 4.11%.

This is all good news! Buyers can lock in a great long-term fixed mortgage rate and have a good chance of finding a home within their budget. Sellers are still getting great offers, especially those with professionally staged and aggressively marketed homes, and they too can take advantage of low rates on their replacement home.

Whether you are looking to upsize, downsize, or buy your first house, right now is a great time to make a move. Here at Bold Real Estate Consultants, we have decades of experience helping buyers and sellers in Brunswick. Give us a call today at 440-879-7260 to talk about your next move!

Family-Friendly Events in Brunswick

sajag@boldrealestateconsultants.com (Sajag Patel) — Tue, 18 Dec 2018 11:00:00 -0800

Dinner & Show:

A Christmas Story: Dec. 19

To celebrate the holidays, the Cleveland Play House, 1407 Euclid Ave., will be hosting a family-friendly evening of dinner and a live theater production of the classic movie, A Christmas Story. Dinner and show will be from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Dinner options will include fried rice, stir fried beef and broccoli, spring rolls, pot stickers, orange chicken, ginger salad, duck lo mein, signature drinks for adults, and more! Tickets will be $75 per adult, $35 per child and $199 for a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children). For more information or to make reservations online, visit www.Clevelandplayhouse.com.

Browns vs. Bengals Game: Dec. 23

Come join die hard Cleveland Brown’s fans and watch one of the biggest games of the year at Sidelines Sports Bar and Grill. Sidelines is a sponsor of The North Coast Browns Backers Organization (NCBB). Sidelines has salads, sandwiches, wings, beer and an assortment of draft beers along with a full bar. There is also a children’s menu for the younger Browns fan. Sidelines is located at 1165 Pearl Rd., Brunswick, Ohio.

Bread for Brunswick: Dec. 30

Tis’ the season for giving! This is a great opportunity to teach children about helping others and to offer much needed support to local families right here in Brunswick! Starting at 9:30 a.m., local residents can bring items to the welcome desk in the lobby of the Polaris Christian Church, 3289 Laurel Rd., in Brunswick, as the church will be collecting food and supplies for their monthly bulk delivery to the Brunswick Food Pantry. Suggested items include peanut butter, jelly, chicken broth, cereal, pasta, tuna, rice, flour, sugar, canned fruit, or any other sealed and non-perishable food items. Personal hygiene items such as toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant are always greatly appreciated as well! For more information, visit www.polarischristian.com.

Chili Cook-Off

in Brunswick: Jan. 12

Come sample a variety of chilies and desserts during the 20th Annual Relay for Life of Medina County Chili Cook-off! The event will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Brunswick Recreational Center, 3637 Center Rd., in Brunswick. Entrance is by donation with all proceeds going to the American Cancer Society. There will also be unlimited chili samples while supplies last. For more information or to participate, contact Morris at 216-570-1376 or visit the Brunswick Recreation Center’s website at www.medinacountylife.com.

Cleveland Boat Show:

Jan. 17 to Jan. 21

Not just for boaters, The Annual Cleveland Boat Show this year will be boasting a large variety of exhibits and activities that are fun for all-ages and interests! Activities include power boat simulators, kayaking, rowing, lessons on casting fishing lines from various types of water crafts, kids can make their own model sailboat, take a free scuba diving class, ride a water-taxi, watch Twiggy the Water-Skiing Squirrel wakeboard around a mini lagoon and more! Located at the IX Center in Cleveland, 1 I-X Center Drive in Cleveland, the show will be open everyday beginning on Thurs, Jan. 17 and ending on Monday, Jan. 21, with varying times each day of the show. Tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors and children 12 are free. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit

www.clevelandboatshow.com.

Pricing to Win in Brunswick’s Market

sajag@boldrealestateconsultants.com (Sajag Patel) — Tue, 11 Dec 2018 10:19:00 -0800

For about a decade, home values have been increasing in Brunswick, Strongsville, and most of Cleveland. When the economy began to recover (and then expand), the number of qualified buyers began to outpace the number of available homes. Homeowners know they have the upper hand in today’s “seller’s market,” and many are eager to cash in on their added equity. We don’t expect the rally to last much longer, and lately, affordability has become a real problem for buyers.

But while we are still in a “seller’s market,” it’s tempting to think that the environment for sellers is all around positive, no matter what. In general, it is—but the truth is that each and every home sale has its own considerations. For example, a seller may receive a great offer, but depending on how the real estate near it has recently performed, the appraisal may stop the sale from moving forward.

Although demand is high, a particular home may or may not receive a cut of the demand depending on a myriad of factors. Prior to going on the market, a home should be carefully analyzed by an experienced real estate agent who then develops a game plan specific to the home. Over the years, I developed a system to analyze a home pre-listing order to get the most money possible. I’ll summarize the most important strategies to maximize price, especially in today’s market.

There are three critical phases when listing a home: pre-listing preparations, marketing, and negotiating. These phases are always important, no matter how favorable conditions for sellers happen to be, and no matter how housing market conditions are expected to change.

Pre-Listing preparations

Selling a home at the top of the market in Brunswick requires a little work on the front-end. For example, before listing a home, I document areas of the home that would be worthwhile to improve—even something as simple as a coat of paint on the cabinets. Then, I leverage a team of contractors to complete those improvements as quickly as possible. I then work with the seller to stage the home so that it is camera-ready, and the target buyer can “visualize” themselves living there.

Marketing

Once a home is ready to list, the next critical phase is marketing. A “seller’s market” alone isn’t enough to entice multiple buyers to make an offer—they need to see professional photographs of bright, tastefully decorated rooms. Buyers also need to be drawn to the listing; an MLS profile isn’t enough. To maximize exposure, I market listings across nearly a dozen platforms, including websites, social media, print, and email. When choosing an agent to list your home, ensure their marketing plan is sound and exhaustive.

Negotiating

The third phase of a successful sale is a successful negotiation. This begins with pricing. Overconfidence in pricing can be a death sentence; instead, a home should be priced slightly less than its highest market value (after factoring in that it has been strategically prepped and vigorously marketed). An attractive home with a fair price, when marketing effectively, will get a lot more excitement from buyers than a home that is just placed on the MLS. If enough buyers compete for it, they will demand fewer concessions and may even bid beyond the asking price. To effectively execute this strategy, it’s critical to have a thorough understanding of the housing market. The agent you choose should be able to demonstrate a deep understanding of local conditions and trends.

The best defense against overconfidence in today’s market is to ensure that your agent has a proven strategy to minimize stress and get you the best price.

If you’d like to discuss listing your own home or have questions about the real estate market, call our team today at 440-879-7260.

Brunswick Real Estate News: November 2018

sajag@boldrealestateconsultants.com (Sajag Patel) — Tue, 4 Dec 2018 10:10:00 -0800

Click here to read the November edition of the Brunswick Real Estate News!

November is a busy month for families, and here in Brunswick it's also a busy time for home buyers. As a homeowner, you'll want to check out our cover story about the benefits of selling your home this holiday season. We also encourage you to read "Pricing to Win in Our Seller's Market" on Page 3, where we share the strategies we use to maximize home sale prices.

This month, you'll also find some fun, family-friendly events happening around town, a Q&A with Sajag about estimating the value of your home, a spotlight on high-tech home appliances, and more. Our November recipe is from Wolfgang Puck's kitchen - a delicious Chicken Piccata dish - and we included a special feature on the power of play in your child's development.

We hope you enjoy reading this edition of the Brunswick Real Estate News as much as we've enjoyed creating it!

Family-Friendly Events in Brunswick

sajag@boldrealestateconsultants.com (Sajag Patel) — Tue, 27 Nov 2018 10:14:00 -0800

With the holidays around the corner, you may be on the hunt for nearby activities the whole family can enjoy. From crafts to trains to enjoying great food and Browns game, here are a few fun ideas for family time.

Brunswick Kiwanis Club Craft Fair – Dec. 1

Brunswick Kiwanis Club Craft Fair provides attendees with the opportunity to explore locally made products from over 125 vendors, such as handmade jewelry, home decor, clothing, body care products, various mediums of art, and a lot of delicious food options. The fair will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Brunswick Recreation Center, 3637 Center Rd., Brunswick, Ohio. Admission is free. Please visit www.northwestpromo.com for details.

The Medina Model Train and Toy Show – Dec. 2

This train and toy show was established in 1922 and, since then, thousands of toy enthusiasts have traveled to Medina to buy, sell or just bask in the nostalgia every year. This is the perfect event to pick up holiday gifts and if you miss this year many of the model trains and planes and will be displayed at the same venue later this year. The show is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and located at the Medina County Community Center, 735 Lafayette Rd., Medina, Ohio 44256. For further information, visit
www.conraddowdell.com.

Point of Grace Concert – Dec. 9

The Fish 95.5 and Grace Baptist church have come together for this exciting concert. Point of Grace have sold over 8 million recordings, have multiple Dove awards and three Grammy nominations. These three ladies have been performing together for over two decades. Come out to enjoy Christmas classics along with contemporary songs. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. for VIP ticket holders and 6 p.m. for general admission. The VIP meet-and-greet starts promptly at 5:45 p.m. and includes a photo opportunity with the band. Fish Listener Club members will receive a special discount code for admission. The concert is being held at Grace Baptist church at 3480 Laurel Rd., Brunswick Ohio. For ticket purchasing and more information, visit www.955thefish.com.

Browns vs. Bengals Game – Dec. 23

Our Monthly Featured Home

sajag@boldrealestateconsultants.com (Sajag Patel) — Wed, 21 Nov 2018 10:34:00 -0800

453 Delaware Dr., Brunswick, OH 44212

This beautiful Brunswick 4-Level Split home features a lot of updates and has been completely remodeled. Step into the living room that has vaulted ceilings and stylish wood laminate floors. The open concept floor plan leads you into the dining area. The dining area has sliding doors that venture out to the large back yard. Make your way over to the kitchen that has all new stainless-steel appliances, granite countertops, and all white cabinetry. Step down to the family room that has new warm carpeting and an entrance to the cement patio. This home has 4 large bedrooms, all with new carpeting and neutrally painted walls. Also, 2 remodeled full baths. The basement has a vast amount of storage space. The backyard has been fenced in and has two sheds for all your outdoor storage needs. Attached 2-car garage.

Home for the Holidays: or Not? Hidden Benefits of Selling your Home over the Holiday Season

sajag@boldrealestateconsultants.com (Sajag Patel) — Tue, 20 Nov 2018 09:09:00 -0800

Home for the Holidays: or Not?

Hidden Benefits of Selling your Home over the Holiday Season

So often, we hear that spring and summer are the best times of year to sell a home. It’s true that fewer people are house-hunting over Thanksgiving and Christmas, but does that mean your house will languish on the market for months or that you’ll have to take less money than your home is worth? Not at all, especially not in Brunswick, not now. Depending on your unique circumstances, the holiday season could be the best time to sell your home.

REASONS NOT TO WAIT

Less Competition

The biggest benefit to selling in November and December is the decreased competition from other sellers, compared to the summer and spring. With fewer homes on the market, it’s easier to stand out and attract buyers. The good news is that on the buying side, demand is still very high. This past summer, many buyers were out-bid or didn’t make an offer quickly enough. These buyers are still on the prowl and anxious as ever to find a home.

Serious Buyers

In the summer, buyers come out in droves. As the market becomes bombarded with listing after listing, it’s hard to resist checking out homes, even if there is no real intention (or ability) to buy. Over the holidays, however, the buyers trolling through listings and connecting with real estate agents tend to be on a “mission.” They know the type of home they want, what neighborhood they want to be in, how much they are willing to pay, and exactly when they want to move. A much larger portion of holiday buyers begin the process with a bank approval in hand, while the opposite is true in the summertime. Tire kickers stay home for the holidays.

Less Stress

Selling a home tends to be less stressful in November and December, even with the added pressure of the holidays. With fewer “we’re just looking” showings, you won’t have to do nearly as many last-minute cleanings or impromptu outings, and the showings that do happen will be for serious buyers. Poor weather and family obligations will even prompt some buyers to make an offer without visiting your home once if the listing presentation is captivating enough.

TIPS FOR A TOP-DOLLAR
HOLIDAY SALE

Photograph Your Home Now

If you decide to list your home anytime in the near future, it’s important to have professional photos of your exterior taken right now. Things can look pretty stark later in the season when trees become bare and snow covers the lawn. Having a photo of your home with green grass and full trees can make a world of difference, especially if you don’t expect to be listing right away. Come December, your listing will pop out of the lineup of snow-covered homes.

Plan Ahead

If you plan to seize the great opportunity to sell this holiday season, it’s also important to plan how this will affect your holidays. If your agent is skilled in selling homes during Thanksgiving and Christmas, he or she will advise you to clear out your clutter and prepare your home for staging. Photographers, professional home stagers, and possibly even contractors will need to be scheduled around your family gatherings, and will want access to the kitchen, bathrooms, and guest bedrooms. If at all possible, let a relative host meals, out-of-town visitors, and parties at their home. You won’t have to forego a Christmas tree or a cozy family gathering, but things like extensive decorations, overnight relatives, and large celebrations could end up hurting your sale.

Work with an Expert

Remember that you don’t have to take a bad offer just because the market is slower. No matter the time of year, it’s always important to work with a skilled agent. It’s especially important to choose a highly skilled and experienced agent if you want a successful outcome over the holiday season. The average agent sells fewer than three homes per year; odds are, they usually take the holidays off. Choose an agent who understands the opportunities—as well as the challenges—of each season.

As one of Brunswick’s leading agents, I’ve seen less experienced agents tell homeowners to wait until next year to sell their home. That’s terrible advice! With the right agent using the right strategy, you can sell your home quickly and for its full market value, even while you cook your Thanksgiving turkey. Call us today at 440-879-7260 to discuss selling YOUR home this holiday season.

Beating the Housing Market Shift

sajag@boldrealestateconsultants.com (Sajag Patel) — Tue, 6 Nov 2018 08:13:00 -0800

Over the last several years, we’ve been experiencing a Seller’s Market here in Brunswick. Like most of the country, low housing inventory is driving competition among buyers. Unprecedented demand has been pushing prices higher and higher since 2010. Recently, a survey of industry experts predicts that by 2019, the market may switch to favor buyers.

Have Home Prices Leveled Out?

Up until July of this year, national home sale prices had been climbing for 6 years. For the first time this decade, the national average home sale price has remained stagnant for three full months. We are experiencing this same trend in Brunswick, with home prices remaining steady at about $216,000 (or declining by a fraction of a percent) since June. This is a sign that the market is shifting.

Economist Dr. Svenja Gudell recently addressed this issue in a press release, stating “the housing market has been favoring sellers for the past few years. Sellers in the current housing landscape often have the luxury of listing their home ‘as-is’ without fixing it up or with only minimal window-dressing since demand for homes has been high and inventory low. It’s common for sellers to receive multiple bids, and in the hottest markets, sell for over asking price, but these conditions will change in the future. As the number of homes for sale increases and home value appreciation slows, we expect the market to meaningfully swing in favor of buyers within the next two to three years.”

Market Shift vs Economic Recession

We are likely to soon experience a housing market shift in favor of buyers, but it’s unlikely that we are on the precipice of a recession. In fact, most indicators show signs that our economy will continue to grow.

Unemployment rates are at record lows, household incomes are rising, and over the last ten years, the personal savings rate has remained very high (hovering around 6% each month, which is 25% higher than the previous decade, according to the US Bureau of Economic Analysis). Even amid global trade tensions, the overall US production (or GDP) is forecasted to grow by a full 2.5% in 2019 (according to the Federal Reserve).

The housing market has been extremely tight for a long time. Although sellers are enjoying high prices, a market correction is long over-due and will bring much-anticipated relief to buyers —many of whom are currently priced out of the market altogether.

Getting Ahead of the Buyer’s Market

While homeowners should not be worried about drastic losses in equity, they should expect to receive lower sales prices in the coming years. As sellers begin to see prices fall, they may rush to the market at once, which could temporarily create extra supply (reducing prices even more). Any homeowner considering selling will not find a better time to list than right now, before this happens.

Although late fall is one of the slower selling seasons of the year, this currently isn’t the case in Brunswick. Many buyers were unable to purchase over the summer, with increased competition and slim pickings. They are still anxious to buy a home, and many of them would like to be moved in to their new house before Christmas. This is a great opportunity for sellers who want a fast sale and a competitive price.

If you have been on the fence about selling your home, or if you’re just waiting for the right time, give us a call at 440-879-7260. We’ll provide you with a custom, in-depth home valuation based on multiple factors, and answer any questions you have.

Our Monthly Featured Home

sajag@boldrealestateconsultants.com (Sajag Patel) — Fri, 2 Nov 2018 07:45:00 -0700

4018 Buckingham Dr., Brunswick, OH 44212

$199,900

Welcome to 4018 Buckingham Drive. This beautiful ranch has many new updates and is the perfect place to call home. Step into the entryway of the home and be greeted by the beautiful floors and neutral color scheme. Make your way into the living room that has soft carpeting and leads into the large family room. Cross over to the family room and marvel over the gorgeous laminate wood floors. Continue into the kitchen that contains appliances that stay with the home, all white cabinets, an island with an amazing all wood countertop, and fashionable backsplash. The master suite is large, with ample closet space, and an en-suite bathroom. The master bath has a large shower and a sizable his and hers vanity. This lovely home has two other bedrooms, a laundry room, and another full bath. Journey outside to the amazing stone deck with a wood burning fireplace and a substantial amount of space for hosting events. The backyard also showcases a large shed for all your storage needs and is completely fenced in. Attached is a two-car garage. 1-year home warranty included for peace of mind.

Brunswick Real Estate News: October 2018

sajag@boldrealestateconsultants.com (Sajag Patel) — Tue, 23 Oct 2018 07:59:00 -0700

Click here to read the Brunswick Real Estate News!

Boo! We're back with the October Brunswick Real Estate News.
On the cover find out how to have the best Halloween party on the block. You'll get some great ideas for those spooky kids parties. On page two find out about just a few of the upcoming events in the Brunswick area, from the theatre to art festivals.
In addition, you'll also find some great travel and decorating articles, as well as a delicious recipe from Wolfgang Puck.
We hope you enjoy reading our paper as much as we've enjoyed publishing it. Let us know your thoughts, and don't forget to check out our listings on the back page! Thanks, Brunswick!

The Best Halloween Party on the Block

sajag@boldrealestateconsultants.com (Sajag Patel) — Tue, 16 Oct 2018 07:21:00 -0700

How to throw your kids an awesome, budget-friendly Halloween party

It’s here… the spookiest time of year. Kids are planning costumes, Fun Size candy is stacked high at the grocery store, and the pumpkin patches are open for business. This year get in the Halloween spirit by throwing a “scary awesome” party for your kids – without breaking the bank.

Killer Decorations

Some of the best Halloween decorations are also the easiest. Get creative with the stuff you already have on hand. For example, if you have an old Zombie costume, stuff it with pillows, wrap it in a cape (sheet), and sit it on a rocking chair.

•Graveyard: section off a small part of the room with landscape fencing (or rope) and cut out four to six cardboard headstones. Color them with gray spray paint and write fun names like “Ima Zombie” in bright white marker. Add a black light to make the text pop.

•Flying Bats: hang construction paper bats from the ceiling.

•Spiders: line the corners of the rooms with cobwebs and place plastic spiders in them.

•Pumpkins: place scary jack-o-lanterns lit with LED candles throughout the house. Use pie pumpkins or buy artificial ones you can use year after year.

•Spooky Walkway: line your walkway with small white and orange paper bags. Cut ghost and jack-o-lantern faces in them and light them with flameless candles.

•Scary Lighting: switch out the lights in the party areas with orange bulbs, and If you have a strobe light, use it during dance time!

•Floating Ghosts: tape white disposable table cloths over balloons and hang them from ceiling.

•Skeletons: hang plastic skeletons on the walls or make your own out by cutting bones out of white poster board and connecting them with small metal clasps.

Spooky Snacks

A book could be written about Halloween party food! Here are a few easy, fun, and super-spooky treats to serve.

•Personal Pizz-O Lanterns: cut out different veggies to look like eyes, noses and mouths and let the kids create their own pizzas. Have the dough pre-shaped into pumpkins and the oven pre-heated.

•Oreo Spiders: gently twist off the tops off Double Stuffed Oreos and place four thin licorice strips inside, so they stick out on both ends like legs. Replace the top and use frosting to put little red candies on top (cute-and-creepy eyes).

•Ice Cream Witches: scoop out a ball of mint ice cream for each child and place waffle cones on top for a witch hat. Put out gum drops for eyes, Twizzlers for hair and candy corns for noses.

•Worms and Dirt: the Halloween classic! Mix pudding and cookie crumbles in individual cups, and top with gummy worms.

Ghastly Games and Activities

Pre-planned games are an excellent way to keep kids engaged during a Halloween party. Older kids just need a few games and plenty of dance time, while younger kids do better with structured events from start to finish. The craft ideas below are great for kids ages 8 and younger but may get some eye-rolling for kids ten years old and up.

•Costume Contest: have each participating child line up and have slips of paper ready for the audience to vote. Depending on the kids’ ages, you may not want to let the audience vote by raising hands or applauding. Have prizes ready for multiple categories, like “scariest” and “most creative.”

•Pumpkin Hunt: fill small plastic pumpkins (or orange and black Easter eggs) with candy or prizes and hide them throughout the yard. Have the party guests collect them in a basket, trick or treat bag or other Halloween-themed reusable container.

•Guess the Gross Thing: have children try to identify different objects while blindfolded. Cold spaghetti, Jell-O, gummy worms and peeled grapes will get plenty of squeals

•Trick or Treat Bag Craft: buy a bunch of blank canvas shopping bags from the craft store, and have the kids decorate them. They can use fabric paint, glue, glitter, sequins, and even iron-on patches.

•DIY Witch Hats: supply black construction paper, glue sticks, glitter, paint and other items that can be used to embellish the finished hats. Have the kids roll the black construction paper into cones, trim the bottoms so they can stand flat on the table and cut out circles for brims.

•Bob for Apples: for some good old-fashioned fun, fill a bucket or plastic bin with water and apples, and blindfold each child as they try to snag one.

With these tips in toe, your next Halloween party should be a “screaming” success. Here at Bold Real Estate Consultants, we wish you a safe and happy Halloween!

Upcoming Events

sajag@boldrealestateconsultants.com (Sajag Patel) — Mon, 15 Oct 2018 09:09:00 -0700

Into the Woods, MHS Musical

Thurs., Nov 8 - 4:00 PM (FREE dress rehearsal for Seniors)

Fri., Nov 9 - 7:00 PM

Sat., Nov 10 - 7:00 PM

Sun., Nov 11 - 2:00 PM

Medina Performing Arts Center

This year Medina High School, in collaboration with the Medina County Arts Foundation and CAMEO, presents “Into the Woods,” by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine.

Into the Woods is a story of the curse of a once beautiful witch, a baker and his wife, who are childless. Three days before the rise of a blue moon, they venture into the forest to find the ingredients that will reverse the spell and restore the witch’s beauty. During their journey, they meet Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and Jack, each one on a quest to fulfill a wish.

Nature Art Fest

Saturday, Nov 10 - 10:00 AM

Wolf Creek Environmental Center

Sharon Center, OH 44274

The 17th Annual Nature Art Fest, featuring unique items from professional artists inspired by nature, will be held at Wolf Creek Environmental Center. From paintings to stained glass, you’ll find unique holiday gifts for everyone on your list. Bring the family and spend the day in one of the most beautiful parks in Medina County. All ages are welcome. No registration required. Free admission.

K-9 Kapers

Saturday, Nov 17 - 10:00 AM

Lake Medina Medina, OH 44256

K-9 Kapers provides dog owners with an opportunity to socialize their pets with other dogs. These alternative hikes will interest both the dog and its owner while offering exercise and fun. All dogs must have an accompanying adult and eight-foot leash (non-retractable). Participants must maintain control of their dogs at all times. We recommend bringing a towel for muddy feet and a water bowl. All ages are welcome. No registration required. Admission is Free.

Party Bus to Les Miserables

Sunday, Nov 18 - 11:30 AM

Buehler’s River Styx, 3626 Medina Road, Medina, OH 44256

Cameron Mackintosh presents the new production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, LES MISÉRABLES, direct from its acclaimed Broadway return.

Featuring the beloved songs “I Dreamed a Dream,” “One Day More,” and many more, this epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. With its glorious new staging and dazzlingly reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, this breathtaking new production has left both audiences and critics awestruck. “Les Miz is born again!” (NY1).

Hop on the bus at Buehler’s River Styx at 11:30 am, enjoy a catered box lunch, flowing wine, homemade cookies, chocolates, a trivia quiz and more! To book tickets, visit www.ormaco.org (credit card charges apply) or phone 330-722-2541. Seating is limited, so book now to avoid disappointment. ORMACO party buses sell out quickly.

Orchestra seats: $105; Balcony seats: $75.

Miracle on 34th Street Musical

Friday, Nov 30 - 7:30 PM

144 N Broadway, Medina, OH 44256

You know the story of the Macy’s Parade and the trial of Santa Clause, but see it now as a Musical written by Merrideth Wilson (Music Man). This is a heartwarming story for the Holidays and a good time for the whole family. Directed by Chris Bizub.

Brunswick Real Estate News: September 2018

sajag@boldrealestateconsultants.com (Sajag Patel) — Tue, 2 Oct 2018 09:33:00 -0700

Click here to read the Brunswick Real Estate News!

Happy fall Brunswick and beyond! Grab yourself an apple and enjoy the September Brunswick Real Estate News.
On the cover read a great article on how to prepare outdoor spaces for fall. You'll get some great ideas. page two will fill you in on some fun fall activities to keep you busy from apple picking to a medieval festival.
In addition, you'll also find some great travel and decorating articles, as well as a delicious recipe from Wolfgang Puck.
We hope you enjoy reading our paper as much as we've enjoyed publishing it. Let us know your thoughts, and don't forget to check out our listings on the back page! Thanks, Brunswick!

Outdoor Spaces For Fall

sajag@boldrealestateconsultants.com (Sajag Patel) — Tue, 25 Sep 2018 09:29:00 -0700

According to The Huffington Post, one of the best ways to fight Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in the fall and winter months is to spend more time outside. Even on less-than-sunny days, you’ll get enough light from being outside for even a short period.
So, don’t let your backyard space go to waste when temperatures drop! Instead, implement a few of these weatherizing ideas that will make you want to spend time in your private outdoor space, all season long.

Change out your summer décor to make it fall-themed
Your lawn or outdoor furniture shouldn’t be the same in fall as it was in summer. Clear out those summery lawn chairs in favor of folksy, cushioned outdoor furniture. If you have all-season outdoor furniture, then be sure to swap out summer-colored pillows, candles, or decorations for muted colors of orange, brown, and green.

Create warming methods
You’ll be more likely to use your fall backyard if you have ways to warm yourself up. A fire pit is an especially pleasant option, especially one that stands alone and doesn’t need to be dug into the ground. Make the fire pit a conversation piece by setting up chairs around it. In terms of home resale value, too, a fire pit can make a big impact. Homeowners who create outdoor fire pits can see up to an 80% return on their investments.

Build an outdoor oasis for chilly days
Many backyards look better—and are appropriate for more seasons—if they have outdoor fireplaces. If you hire a contractor to build a fireplace, you’ll likely want to consider materials like brick, stone, or granite.

Don’t give up on grilling
A trend in the cooking world is outdoor fall grilling. Southern Living magazine recommends grilling pork chops with an apple-bourbon glaze to transform your summer hamburgers into in-season fall foods. If you want to do more than just grill, consider adding a full outdoor kitchen around your grill, as well. Absolute Outdoor Kitchens suggests that your ROI will be 100% and 200% when you sell your property later.

Prepare the deck for winter – and one last fall hurrah!
The heat of the summer sun can really give your deck a beating. So, the fall is the best time to care for your outdoor space by pressure-washing your deck and re-staining your wooden porch. Once the snow of winter comes, then you won’t have the change to complete this work until the spring. After your deck is ready, you can host one last fall party on a porch structure that looks like new.

Remember, fall is still an outdoor season! You just need to make a few tweaks to make time in the outdoors feel as pleasant as it did in the summertime.

September Featured Listing

sajag@boldrealestateconsultants.com (Sajag Patel) — Tue, 18 Sep 2018 09:24:00 -0700

28087 Angela Dr North Olmsted, OH 44070 - $224,900

This North Olmsted split level is the perfect place to call home. The dining room flows into the living room, making this space perfect for entertaining family and friends. The lower level features a large family room with wood burning fireplace and lots of light. The lower level features a large family room with wood burning fireplace and lots of light. The yard is completely fenced in with 6 fencing, a gravel area for pets, and lots of privacy as it backs up to a wooded lot.

To schedule a listing appointment, please give us a call at 440-879-7260

Fall Fun In Brunswick

sajag@boldrealestateconsultants.com (Sajag Patel) — Wed, 12 Sep 2018 11:26:00 -0700

Fall is the perfect season to explore your community. Luckily, Brunswick has a variety of activities to appeal to those who like pumpkins and hayrack rides, as well as residents who love to explore the fall colors outdoors. Check out a few of our favorite events.

20+ Local Farms with the Best Apple Picking in Northeast Ohio. Apple picking season in Ohio usually beings at the end of August and runs through the end of October with different apple varieties like Honey Crisp, Golden Delicious and Jonagold ripening at different times during the season. Some of the farms strictly offer apple picking, while others have fall festivals with many other activities in addition to pick your own apples. Our handy guide to apple picking in Ohio will help you find the best places to pick apples near you. Follow the link to find one near you. https://northeastohiofamilyfun.com/pick-your-own-apple-orchards-in-northeast-ohio/

Offering quintessential fall family fun is Pumpkin Village at Mapleside Farms (294 Pearl Road in Brunswick). Open all season and welcoming visitors of all ages, the working orchard offers up fall activities from yesteryear. Not only can you ride the hayride, but you can also get lost – and hopefully find your wait out! – in a seven-acre corn maze. Other attractions include the longest slide in the U.S. and a pair of massive jumping pillows. Pumpkin Village is open on Fridays from 4pm until 10pm, Saturdays from 10am until 10pm, and Sundays from 10am until 6pm.

Every weekend at Pumpkin Village is a themed weekend. A favorite is the Medieval Fest on September 15 and 16. Watch battle reenactments or dress in your own ancient garb. Remember, though you might be dressed up, you can still take home some apples – and eat some apple pie – grown right on this working orchard. Themed weekends will be open from 10am until 7pm on Saturdays and 10am until 6pm on Sundays.

On October 8, Saint Ambrose Catholic School (923 Pearl Road in Brunswick) will host its ever-popular Autumn Harvest Festival. Lots of activities will prepare you for the fall season. Some highlights include painting pumpkins, hayrack rides, campfires, and corn stalk decorations for the front yard. Come hungry; the food offerings are not to be missed. This free-entry festival will be held from 5pm until 8pm.

The fall colors will really be on view for the October 20 Colors Along the Creek guided hike, held in Plum Creek Park South (2500 Plum Creek Parkway). The free event for all ages will take participants on a stroll along Plum Creek, which promises to show off its fall colors. The guided hike will take place from 10am until 11am; no need to register, just show up!

Free Community Shred Day!

sajag@boldrealestateconsultants.com (Sajag Patel) — Tue, 4 Sep 2018 10:25:00 -0700

Brunswick Real Estate News: August 2018

sajag@boldrealestateconsultants.com (Sajag Patel) — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 10:06:00 -0700

Click here to read the Brunswick Real Estate News!
Summer is winding down, but it's still plenty hot! Find some air conditioning and enjoy the August Brunswick Real Estate News.

On the cover get details about the Free Community Shred Day!, sponsored by BOLD Real Estate Consultants. This fun community day is an opportunity you don't want to miss. Help keep your personal identity safe while supporting Pitties and Kitties Animal Rescue (donations will be taken on site).

In addition, you'll also find some great travel and decorating articles, as well as a delicious recipe from Wolfgang Puck.
We hope you enjoy reading our paper as much as we've enjoyed publishing it. Let us know your thoughts, and don't forget to check out our listings on the back page! Thanks, Brunswick!

Featured Listing

sajag@boldrealestateconsultants.com (Sajag Patel) — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 09:57:00 -0700

5787 Sleepy Hollow Rd

Valley City, OH 44280 | $469,900

This unique property has everything, from a barn for horses and livestock, a stocked pond for fishing, and workshop space for auto enthusiasts, with lots of room to enjoy the beautiful surroundings on over 8 acres! The barn features a tack room and stalls for 4 (possibly 5) horses, with hot and cold-water access. The additional garage can hold 3 or more cars with extra space for a workshop. This home features 4 beds and 5 baths.

To schedule a listing appointment, please give us a call at 440-879-7260

Tips For Easing Back Into the School Year

sajag@boldrealestateconsultants.com (Sajag Patel) — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 14:00:00 -0700

As summer draws to a close, the reality that school is about to start looms large in the minds of students (and parents) everywhere. But back to school time doesn’t have to be a stress-fest. We’ve put together this guide to help you navigate the transition between summer vacation and the structure of the school season.

1. Ease in Slowly

Start getting into your new routine before summer vacation is over. Slowly taper back bedtime and have them wake up earlier if they’ve been sleeping in late during the summer. Having a little break-in period to get used to a routine change can really help kids adjust more smoothly. Talk with your kids about what your family schedule will look like for the school year and be sure to carve out plenty of time for homework.

2. Be Involved

Even if your child is older, it’s important to attend any back to school night events or orientations with them. Go meet your child’s teacher or teachers, as well as the school administrators. Get copies of school rules, class rules, syllabi, and other important forms. Review these with your child to make sure he or she understands what will be expected during the year.

3. Talk About Everything

Besides talking about rules and expectations, discuss any other issues or concerns your child may have about the upcoming school year. For young children, this might involve discussing what to do in the event of a bathroom accident. For teens, it could be a good time to talk about how to handle peer pressure situations. Don’t shy away from talking about difficult subjects, such as bullying and violence at school. It’s important for your child to know that you are there when he or she needs to talk.

4. Plan Ahead

Make a detailed back to school shopping list so kids have everything they need on the big day. Scrambling to get the last few things the night before the first day of school is stressful. Try to finish all your shopping and organizing ahead of time. Kids are often most focused on getting new clothes for school; make sure you get them all the other things they need, too. Find out what materials they’ll need for any classes they’ll be taking or for teams they’ve joined. Make sure instruments are tuned up if they’ll be taking them to school for music class and ensure they have all the pencils and sharpeners, pens, notepads, electronics, and other supplies they’ll need.

5. Show Your Enthusiasm

Even if you feel tired and irritable in the morning, make an effort to be enthusiastic and excited about school. Your kids take their cues from you and your behavior. This is true even for older kids and teens who act “too cool” to care what you think. When you set the tone that going to school is a positive thing, it can go a long way toward instilling that attitude in your kids.

Stay organized, have a positive attitude, and get ready for back to school season early. And if things don’t go as planned, don’t sweat it. The most important thing is that you continue to support your child through the ups and downs of school.

Meet Scott!

sajag@boldrealestateconsultants.com (Sajag Patel) — Fri, 10 Aug 2018 07:37:00 -0700

Meet the newest member of our team Scott Marscheider. Scott Marscheider obtained his realtor license from Hondros College two years ago. He pursued real estate because he wanted to do something that he felt passionate about, which is helping people find the perfect homes for their family. Scott has also procured a Bachelor's Degree from Kent State University. When Scott isn’t helping people find their new homes, he enjoys watching sports, exercising, traveling, and playing the guitar.

Do I Need an Agent to Help Me Sell in a Sellers’ Market?

sajag@boldrealestateconsultants.com (Sajag Patel) — Tue, 31 Jul 2018 12:24:00 -0700

Let’s see… baby boomers have decided to stay put in their large family homes, landlords are making a killing as rents skyrocket, homeowners who bought when rates were low aren’t about to trade their low interest rate for a higher one and home builders are either idle or building more expensive abodes. Is it any wonder that finding a home to buy in Brunswick is a bit like trying to find Waldo?

Selling a home right now, on the other hand, is a brilliant financial strategy. Our MLS charts the equity gained by local homeowners, depending on when they bought their homes. Now, these figures “reflect price and principle payments since purchase,” and they’re quite intriguing.

For instance, homeowners who bought 10 years ago are sitting on an average of nearly $64,000 in equity. To get your hands on that equity, however, requires that you get the maximum amount of money for the home that the market will allow.

Can you do that without a real estate agent? Perhaps, but, unless you have access to the information and knowledge that agents possess, the odds are against you. Let’s look at just some of the ways the right real estate agent goes about ensuring you sell your home for top dollar.

How do you plan on coming up with a price for the home?

After marketing prowess, a listing agent’s most valuable skill is in knowing the current market value of a home. Not only do most homeowners lack the skill, they also don’t have access to the tools and data used to calculate a home’s value.

Homes that aren’t priced right condemn the homeowner to one of two fates:

•You will lose money if you price it too low.

•The home may not sell if it’s priced too high. By the time you drop the price, the home is stigmatized and may very well end up selling for less than you’d hoped.

So, again, how will you determine your list price without the aid of an experienced real estate agent? With a Zestimate? Don’t be fooled. Zestimates are highly inaccurate, nationwide. In fact, Zillow publishes their accuracy rate and we’ve seen them as high as almost 15 percent off the home’s actual value. On a $200,000 home, that’s a significant sum of money.

The moment the home hits the market is the most crucial period in the home sale process. This is when it will receive the most attention, but only if it’s priced right.

Do you know how to position the home to get the most attention possible?

One of the most significant price influencers is the home’s presentation—curb and interior appeal.

We work with homebuyers daily and we understand what they like and don’t like in homes. Without an agent’s assistance when you sell, you’re flying blind, which could waste both time and money.

To get it right, you’ll need to know who the most likely buyer will be and then target your home’s presentation to lure them in.

Marketing involves a

lot more than sticking a sign in the yard

Phil Knight, the co-founder of Nike, Inc. said that he “used to believe that a good product sold itself.” But not anymore. Because “now we understand that the most important thing we do is market the product.”

Although homes are flying off the market, they aren’t selling themselves. It requires strategic, target marketing to sell a home, at least if you hope to get the most money the market will allow.

Your competition on the market is most likely in the hands of a real estate agent who will, with professional marketing, lure buyers to his or her listing and away from yours.

Marketing is an art and it requires both experience and a robust marketing budget. We happen to have both, and we get results.

Can you negotiate on your preferred price and terms?

Another large stumbling block that unrepresented sellers face is the mountain of legal paperwork involved in the sale of a home. From laying their hands on it to understanding it, for-sale-by-owners claim that the paperwork was a major headache.

The purchase agreement is one of the most important contracts you’ll use and understanding the terms that the buyer is seeking can be a challenge.

Finally, if you want to get more money from the sale of your home, yes, you need a real estate team to help you sell it. According to a National Association of REALTORS survey, the average FSBO home sold for $190,000 while the average sellers with a professional team behind them brought in $249,000.

Go it alone and you’re leaving nearly $60,000 on the table. Not a wise move.